The Pune International Airport recorded its highest-ever passenger traffic in November this year, with over nine lakh passengers. Domestic passenger traffic stood at 8.80 lakh in November, while the international passenger traffic was 20,554. In October, the domestic passenger traffic was 8.44 lakh, while the international traffic was 14,238.
This represents a 44 per cent growth in international passengers and approximately five per cent growth in domestic flyers compared to October. The previous highest passenger traffic this year was 8.94 lakh, which was recorded in May.
Pune Airport Director Santosh Dhoke attributed the increase in passenger traffic to the launch of new flights and the commencement of operations under regional connectivity initiatives.
Pune Airport currently operates five international flights across three routes: Singapore, Bangkok, and Dubai. Recently, the airport recorded its highest flight movements, with 102 arrivals and 102 departures in a single day.
Meanwhile, all international operations at the Pune Airport, including passenger handling, baggage systems, security protocols and operational workflows, have been shifted to the New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB). Only some domestic flights, operated by IndiGo and regional airlines like FLY91, remain in the old terminal. These will also eventually move to the new terminal, said Dodke.
Additionally, the Maharashtra Assembly recently passed a unanimous resolution requesting the Centre to name Pune Airport as Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport. The resolution will be sent to the Civil Aviation Ministry for further action.
