Pune Airport’s New Flight Slots Remain Unused as Infrastructure Constraints Persist

Pune, 16th October 2025: Despite the 15 additional flight slots allocated to Pune airport earlier this year, airlines have yet to utilise them, even as the winter flight schedule is set to begin from October 26 to March 28, 2026.

The delay has been attributed to limited airport infrastructure, particularly the shortage of aircraft parking bays, as well as the rising appeal of newer, better-equipped airports such as Navi Mumbai and Jewar.

While airlines have the final say, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol expressed optimism about future operations. “These slots have already been allocated to airlines, and the timings are favourable. We hope they will soon be put to use,” he said.

Currently, Lohegaon Airport operates with 235 slots, including the newly approved ones, available between 6 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. Of these, 207 slots are already occupied by existing flights.

Airport Director Santosh Dhoke said he could not comment on upcoming schedules until the official timetable was released. “We haven’t received the schedule yet. Once it is available, we will make a formal announcement,” he said.

Queries regarding the deployment of new flights were sent to major carriers including IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express, but responses were not received before press time.

Earlier, Mohol had highlighted that the transfer of 13 acres approved by the Defence Ministry would be completed by the end of the month to construct eight new aircraft parking and remote bays. At present, the airport has 10 parking bays and no remote bays. “We have identified 300 acres, comprising private and defence-owned land, which will be used for runway extensions and additional infrastructure, including hangars and more parking bays. Facilities for non-scheduled flights are also being planned,” the minister added.

Moreover, with the upcoming Navi Mumbai and Jewar airports and the resumption of international travel, carriers are likely prioritising other routes. It’s possible they have reserved slots at Pune but are holding off until the new bays are operational,” he said.