Pune To Europe: Direct Flights Coming Soon; No More Travelling To Mumbai Or Delhi To Catch Flights

This is great news for Punekars! Direct flights from Pune to Europe may soon become a reality. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, has confirmed this and said that the runway extension work has already started. Pune might soon see direct flights to international destinations like Europe in 2026. 

Direct Long-Haul Flights From Pune To Europe

Pune Airport is all set for a big upgrade. Murlidhar Mohol has announced that direct long-haul flights from Pune to international destinations like Europe will soon be possible. As per HT, this move will not only improve air connectivity but also boost the airport’s overall infrastructure. Currently, there are no direct long-haul international flights from Pune. The current runway is considered too short to handle wide-bodied aircraft used for long-haul direct flights. But the work to extend the runway has already begun.

As per the minister’s statement, around 300 acres of land will be acquired for the expansion. The cost-sharing for the land acquisition will be like: 60% by the Maharashtra government, 20% by the Pune Municipal Corporation, 10% by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and 10% by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).

Also Read: Pune Airport Launches Udaan Yatra Café With Low-Cost Snacks And Beverages For Travellers

International Flights Likely To Start By 2026

According to HT, if all goes as planned, Punekars will be able to fly directly to Europe by 2026. Murlidhar Mohol also said that the new airport at Purandar is in progress after several delays due to land acquisition issues. The government has finalised the location, and the process is now underway. The Purandar airport will be developed with international standards and will improve air connectivity.

He also mentioned that the site was chosen during Devendra Fadnavis’s term as Chief Minister between 2014 and 2019. He added that Pune getting its international airport is a proud moment for the city.  The minister also spoke about the new terminal at Pune Airport. The operations have started, and the transition from the old terminal is almost complete.

The report also says that Kedar Mane, a flyer from Pune, stated that this is an incredible move. Right now, passengers have to go to Mumbai or Delhi to catch long international flights, which adds cost and time. Direct flights from Pune will make travel much easier. Currently, Pune Airport operates flights to 35 domestic destinations and 3 international ones: 2 to Dubai, 2 to Bangkok, and 1 to Singapore.

Also Read: Pune Airport: New Terminal Open Yet Many Flights Still Operate From Old Terminal; Connecting Flights Require Long Walk

This is a great move. Punekars will finally be able to fly abroad directly from their city. It will save both time and money. And will also eliminate the need to travel to Mumbai or Delhi just to catch a flight.

Cover Image Courtesy: @pune_international_airport/ Instagram