By Piyush M Padwale
The Pune International Airport makes it to the top 20 of the international passenger traffic, as published by the Bureau of Immigration, ranking 19th place in India, as revealed by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol.
This placement marks a notable achievement for the airport, despite the fact that it not only has just two international routes (to Dubai and Bangkok) but also shares a runway with the Air Force, further limiting its expansion opportunities.
The rise is also a sign of Pune’s growing global connections, which are mostly due to the growth of its IT sector and the presence of more car manufacturers, notably in industrial areas like Chakan MIDC.
Mohol attributes this transformation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that this stands as an example for the establishment of newer airports and substantial expansions, which further enable India’s aviation landscape to align with global standards.
Over the years, the airport has undergone several upgrades; the most recent ones include a bigger terminal and new passenger-friendly amenities like “Aeromall,” which have contributed to its improved facilities and travel comfort.
There has also been a lot more passenger flow at the airport. While in 2023-24, it was about 9.5 million, it rose to almost 10.5 million in 2024-25, and in 2025-26, the airport officials expect to cross 11.5 million.
Airport director Santosh Dhoke praises this achievement and sees this as a positive move towards Pune’s growth trajectory, noting that the city’s educational prominence, IT capabilities, and thriving economy have all added to the increase in air travel demand.
With many forthcoming developments and enhanced facilities, officials are optimistic about the airport’s growth and believe that greater heights are in store.