Flight operations at Pune Airport return to normalcy

Jigar Hindocha

Flight operation at the Pune International Airport is nearing the pre-pandemic period with over 80 flights taking off on Thursday, April 14. Before the pandemic in 2020, 85 flights used to operate daily. On Friday, April 15, 79 flights are scheduled for the day. The passenger movement is also seeing a steady upward surge.

The official handle of Pune airport tweeted 10,473 passengers arrived and 11,537 passengers departed from PuneAirport on 73 flights operating on 13th April 2022. (ie 22,010 total).

“We have approval from the Air Force for 102 flights. 80 is a good number but we are hoping flights to increase more as vacation season picks up. On passenger movement we are yet to reach the pre-pandemic level,” said the airport official on the request of anonymity.

On December 24, 2021, 11,080 arrivals and 11,420 departures happened from the airport in 75 flights which is the highest post-pandemic number now. (Total 22,500 passengers).

In pre covid days, the airport has witnessed a footfall of 28,000-30,000 in a day. However, Pune airport continues to deprive of more international flights as only Dubai flights are operational.

“Airlines are yet to take any call on starting new flights for other countries. Currently, the Dubai flight is getting a good response,” added the official.