Pune-Mumbai Flight Service: Air India Discontinues 55-Minute Flight Due to Low Passenger Numbers

In a disappointing turn of events, Air India has stopped its Pune-Mumbai flight service just months after its launch. The 55-minute flight, which began on March 26, 2023, was hailed as a convenient option for travelers between the two cities. However, due to a lack of passengers, the service has been discontinued.

According to Aviation Expert Dhairyasheel Vandekar said, “Pune-Mumbai flight has been a legacy route operating since more than half a century. This air route has greatly boosted the industry, commerce and economy of areas in and around Mumbai and Pune since decades. There is a dire need of this route in the present times – minimum two flights a day operating in the early morning and late evening, as road travel between Pune and Mumbai, especially during weekends, has not only become uncertain but also unsafe in view of the accidents being reported almost daily. Many multinational professionals, foreign investors, and foreign travellers prefer air travel instead of undertaking road journeys between these two global economic hubs of our country. This connection also greatly facilitates passengers travelling to or returning from International destinations via Mumbai Airport as they are able to travel convenient and hassle free along with their baggage. In view of poor international air connectivity from Pune, a large number of passengers from Pune travel to international destinations from Mumbai for which hundreds of vehicles are commuting between these two cities daily. Other stakeholders like logistics, In Bond cargo, couriers will also benefit due to air connectivity between these two cities.” 

An airline official confirmed the news. The company stated that the decision was taken to streamline the schedules as per the policy. Though there was no definite time period informed whether the service would be resumed in future or not. 

The Pune Airport Authority had been trying to establish air services between Pune and Mumbai for years. Despite initial enthusiasm, the service failed to take off due to poor timing and low passenger numbers.

The closure of the Pune-Mumbai flight service has left passengers with limited options, forcing them to rely on road transport or alternative routes to reach Mumbai. Experts believe that revising the flight timing and schedule could have saved the service.

As the Pune-Mumbai Expressway continues to witness heavy traffic, the need for a convenient and efficient air service between the two cities remains. Will Air India reconsider its decision and revive the service with a revised schedule? Only time will tell, he added.