Pune Airport Prepares for Major Winter Rush with Record 15 New Flight Slots
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As the festive and travel-heavy winter season approaches, Pune Airport is gearing up for a significant expansion in operations. For the first time ever, the airport is set to receive a record 15 additional flight slots, bringing the total number from 220 to approximately 235—the highest allocation in its history. This development is expected to greatly enhance flight connectivity for both business and leisure travelers, especially during the peak travel months starting late October, when the new winter schedule will officially take off.
Airlines operating at Pune Airport are currently preparing their proposals to claim these coveted new slots. These requests are expected to be submitted to the airport authorities by the end of August. After initial review, they will be forwarded to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for final clearance. Once approved, airlines can move forward with finalizing their winter schedules.
At present, Pune is directly connected to 34 cities across India. With the new slot additions, this number is expected to grow, potentially adding five to seven new destinations to the airport’s route map. Moreover, existing popular routes are likely to see an increase in flight frequency, offering passengers more flexibility and convenience. Currently, 212 out of the 220 approved flight slots are in active use. The remaining few are kept in reserve by airlines. The newly added 15 slots will be available for operations during a wide operational window—from 6:00 a.m. to 10:29 p.m., giving airlines flexibility to optimise their schedules throughout the day.
According to Santosh Dhoke, Director of Pune Airport, the groundwork for integrating these new slots has already begun. The moment the DGCA gives the green light, airlines will begin incorporating them into their winter schedules. “This is a big moment for Pune Airport,” Dhoke noted. “It’s the first time we’ve secured such a high number of slots, and it’s going to open up new possibilities for travellers and carriers alike.”
