Pune: State Cabinet Clears Purandar International Airport, Sets 1 June 2026 Land Acquisition Deadline
Pune: State Cabinet Clears Purandar International Airport, Sets 1 June 2026 Land Acquisition Deadline
Pune: The long-awaited Purandar International Airport project has received approval from the Maharashtra cabinet, with the state government directing that land acquisition be completed by June 1, 2026. The decision is expected to accelerate development of a second airport to serve Pune and surrounding regions.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the cabinet’s nod on Tuesday, stating that clear instructions have been issued to fast-track the land acquisition process within the stipulated timeline. The project is aimed at reducing congestion at Pune’s existing airport and addressing the growing demand for air travel driven by rapid urban and industrial expansion.
Welcoming the move, Pune MP and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol described the approval as a major milestone for western Maharashtra. He said the proposed airport would significantly enhance passenger and cargo handling capacity and improve regional and international connectivity.
According to Mohol, the facility is expected to create direct air links to key global destinations, including regions in the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia. Improved connectivity, he noted, would support sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture, while also strengthening export potential and attracting foreign investment.
The project is also expected to spur growth in allied industries, including logistics, warehousing and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Faster transportation of agricultural produce could provide farmers with better access to domestic and overseas markets.
Highlighting the broader economic implications, Fadnavis said the new airport aligns with the state’s long-term development strategy. With increasing passenger traffic and expanding business activity placing pressure on current aviation infrastructure, the Purandar airport is envisioned as a key driver of employment generation, infrastructure growth and regional investment.
State and central authorities are expected to coordinate closely to ensure the project progresses within the announced timeframe.
