Pune Airport Sees 10.54 Million Passengers in FY 2024-25, Expands Global Connectivity

Viman Nagar, 3rd April 2025: Pune Airport has witnessed remarkable growth in the fiscal year 2024-25, achieving new milestones in passenger traffic, flight connectivity, and infrastructure expansion. With the guidance of Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol, the airport has strengthened its domestic and international network, reinforcing its position as a key aviation hub.

Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke highlighted the airport’s progress, stating, “This year has been transformative for Pune Airport. We have expanded our connectivity, introduced a world-class terminal, and enhanced passenger amenities. Our growth in passenger numbers, flight operations, and cargo handling reflects Pune’s increasing importance in India’s aviation sector.”

Surge in Passenger Traffic and Flight Movements

In FY 2024-25, Pune Airport recorded 10.54 million passengers, a 10.66% increase from the previous year. December 2024 saw the highest footfall, with 954,000 passengers, including 920,000 domestic and 33,337 international travellers. This surge is attributed to increased regional connectivity and new international routes.

Aircraft movements also grew substantially, with 68,557 take-offs and landings, reflecting a 7.05% rise over the previous year. The highest traffic was observed in January and February, aligning with peak travel months.

“This increase in passenger and aircraft movements indicates Pune’s growing role in air travel. We are continuously improving our services to ensure a seamless travel experience,” Dhoke stated.

Expansion of Domestic and International Routes

Pune Airport has significantly bolstered its connectivity by introducing several new routes:

International Routes:

• Dubai: A daily direct flight to Dubai, launched on October 27, 2024, strengthens Pune’s link to this global business and tourism hub.
• Bangkok: A thrice-weekly service to Bangkok, also launched on October 27, 2024, enhances access to Southeast Asia.

Domestic Routes:

• Bhopal: A new daily direct flight strengthens connectivity with Madhya Pradesh.
• Trivandrum: IndiGo introduced a direct flight to Kerala’s capital.
• Additional Destinations: New flights to Chennai, Indore, Ahmedabad, and Dehradun have been introduced, increasing travel flexibility.

With these additions, Pune Airport now connects to 35 domestic destinations, significantly improving travel options for passengers.

Cargo Operations on the Rise

Cargo traffic at Pune Airport has also witnessed steady growth, reaching 41,191.5 tonnes, an 8.85% increase over the previous year. Notably, international cargo operations rebounded after a zero figure in FY 2023-24, reflecting Pune’s growing role in global trade logistics. “Our focus on cargo infrastructure improvements has played a crucial role in boosting trade through Pune Airport. This is an encouraging sign for the city’s economic growth,” Dhoke added.

State-of-the-Art New Integrated Terminal

A major milestone in Pune Airport’s expansion is the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB), inaugurated in July 2024. Spanning 52,000+ square meters, the terminal is designed to handle 9 million passengers annually.

Key features of the NITB include:

• 34 check-in counters and 25 self-check-in kiosks for faster processing.
• 5 passenger boarding bridges for seamless boarding.
• In-Line Hold Baggage Handling System (ILHBS) for efficient and secure baggage screening.
• Four-Star GRIHA rating, ensuring sustainability and energy efficiency.

“Passenger experience is at the heart of our operations. The new terminal offers modern facilities while incorporating Pune’s cultural heritage,” Dhoke emphasized.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

To elevate the travel experience, Pune Airport has introduced premium lounges, diverse dining options, and a mix of global and local brands. Travellers can now enjoy outlets like Starbucks and KFC, alongside Pune’s iconic Chitale Bandhu. Additionally, cultural installations reflecting Maharashtra’s heritage enrich the airport ambiance.

Future Growth Plans

Looking ahead, Pune Airport aims to further strengthen its infrastructure, services, and global connectivity. With plans to introduce more flights and expand its cargo handling capacity, the airport is poised for continued success.

“We are committed to making Pune Airport a world-class aviation hub. Our expansion plans will support the city’s growing demand and economic aspirations,” Dhoke concluded.