Shift to A-321 Aircraft Helps Pune Airport Manage High Traffic Without Extra Flights
Pune, 23rd November 2025: Airlines operating from Pune Airport have significantly increased the deployment of Airbus A-321 aircraft, replacing the smaller A-320 on several routes. More than 70 A-321 aircraft now operate daily from Pune, up from 35 just a few months ago. The shift has resulted in a substantial rise in passenger capacity, as the A-321 carries 220 passengers compared to the A-320’s 180 — an increase of 40 seats per flight.
Pune Airport handles around 100 arrivals and 100 departures every day, but despite the constant aircraft movement, passenger numbers have surged. Recently, the airport recorded over 35,000 passengers in a single day, the highest so far. Last season, the daily passenger count hovered around 30,000.
Experts attribute the rise to the higher-capacity aircraft now dominating the fleet mix. “Airlines are increasingly using A-321s, which has boosted the number of passengers without increasing flight frequency,” said Amey Joshi, Air Traffic Analyst, Pune.
Airport Director Santosh Dhoke confirmed that airlines are deploying A-321s primarily on high-demand routes such as Pune–Delhi and other major cities. Although Pune Airport remains constrained due to its Air Force base operations, the increased use of larger aircraft has helped enhance capacity and convenience for both airlines and travellers.
The daily aircraft traffic remains steady at around 200, keeping Pune Airport firmly among the country’s top 10 busiest airports.
