Pune Airport Sees Surge in Flights Under UDAN Scheme, Connecting Small Cities Across India
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The Pune airport has recorded a significant increase in flights under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme, UDAN. With 12 flight movements, the airport is now connected to at least six small cities in and around the state.
The UDAN scheme, launched in 2016, aims to provide air connectivity to smaller cities and towns. Pune airport has seen a significant increase in flights under this scheme, with eight new flights starting this year.
Passengers have welcomed the new flights, citing the convenience and time-saving they offer. Smit Arora, A regular passenger, said that the direct flight from Sindhudurg to Pune has made his life easier. “The journey used to take 10 hours by train, but now it takes just an hour,” he said.
Sitaram Tripathi another passenger, said that the flight from Pune to Kishangarh has been a game-changer for him. “Earlier, I used to travel to Jaipur and then take a taxi to Kishangarh, but now I can fly directly,” he said.
Airport officials said that the increase in flights under the UDAN scheme is a result of the Indian Air Force providing favorable slots. “We requested the air force to provide us with more favorable slots, and they agreed,” said Pune airport director Santosh Dhoke while communicating with media person.
The airport has seen a significant increase in passenger traffic, with over 65,000 passengers traveling on UDAN flights between January and November. The RCS route between Pune and Bhavnagar and Pune and Kishangarh recorded the maximum passenger traffic.
Vipul Bhatt, a businessman who travels frequently between Pune and Bhavnagar, said that the flight has eased his life. “The flight is always more than 90% full, and it’s a convenient option for businessmen like me,” he said.
The Pune airport is looking to connect with more cities under the UDAN scheme. “We have some slots available, and we are in talks with airlines to start new flights,” said Dhoke.
