Pune, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, is a significant hub for business, education, and technology. With increasing domestic and international travel demand, understanding Pune’s airport network is essential for residents, travelers, and businesses.
How Many Airports Are Operational in Pune?
Pune currently has one operational airport—the Lohegaon Airport, officially known as Pune Airport (IATA: PNQ). Located 11 km from the city center, it functions as a civil enclave within an Indian Air Force base, handling domestic and select international flights.
Pune Airport (PNQ): Location, Capacity & Features
Key Facts About Pune Airport:
- Location: Lohegaon, Pune
- Distance from City Center: 11 km
- Runway Length: 2,530 meters
- Annual Passenger Traffic (2021–22):
- Domestic: 3.69 million
- International: 18,000+
- Main Airlines: IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air India, Lufthansa, Air India Express
Pune Airport connects to 37 destinations in 3 countries, with popular routes to Mumbai, Delhi, Dubai, and Singapore.
Dual-Use Airport: Military + Civilian Operations
Pune Airport operates within the Lohagaon Air Force Station. While this ensures high security, it also introduces flight timing restrictions and complicates terminal expansion due to shared military use.
Pune Airport Expansion: New Terminal Underway
To address growing air traffic, AAI is constructing a 750,000 sq. ft. new terminal adjacent to the existing structure.
Features of the Upcoming Terminal:
- Capacity: 16 million passengers annually
- Integrated terminal design
- Improved passenger flow and services
- Enhanced lounges, check-in counters, and baggage systems
Completion Timeline: In progress (AAI estimates vary, but phase one is expected by 2026)
Purandar International Airport: Pune’s Future Gateway
A new international greenfield airport is under development in Purandar, about 40 km southeast of Pune.
Project Highlights:
- Managed by Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC)
- Scheduled to be operational by March 2029
- Designed to decongest Pune Airport and boost global connectivity
This development reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to modernizing its aviation infrastructure.
Maharashtra’s Major Airports
Top Airports in the State:
- Mumbai (BOM) – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- Nagpur (NAG) – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport
- Aurangabad (IXU)
- Kolhapur (KLH)
- Jalgaon (JLG)
- Gondia (GDB)
Pune ranks as the second busiest airport in Maharashtra, playing a key role in the state’s aviation network.
Airlines & Flight Destinations from Pune
Major Carriers at Pune Airport:
- IndiGo – 380+ weekly departures
- Air India
- SpiceJet
- Lufthansa
- Air India Express
Popular Routes:
- Domestic: Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad
- International: Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi
The Pune–Singapore route is the longest nonstop international flight from the city (~6 hours).
Passenger Services and Airport Amenities
Facilities Available:
- Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange
- Bird Lounge and Earth Lounge
- Shopping and dining options
- Medical emergency support
- Separate domestic and international terminals
Airport staff and information desks assist passengers throughout their journey.
Ground Transportation to and from Pune Airport
Options Include:
- Auto Rickshaws – Readily available
- Public Buses – Affordable connectivity
- Ride-Sharing & Taxis – Fixed-rate prepaid services
Proximity to Key Areas:
- Viman Nagar: 3 km
- Phoenix Marketcity Mall: 5 km
- Symbiosis University: 12 km
Most key Pune destinations are reachable within 15–30 minutes by road.
General Aviation & Flight Training in Pune
Pune Airport supports private jet charters and flight training. A licensed flying school operates within the airport premises, offering pilot training programs using light aircraft.
Airport Governance & Security
Managed By:
- Airports Authority of India (AAI) – Terminal operations, ATC, infrastructure
- DGCA – Aviation safety oversight
- BCAS – Security standards and audits
- CISF – On-ground passenger and baggage screening
Pune Airport’s Role in Economic Development
Air connectivity is crucial to Pune’s emergence as a tech, educational, and industrial powerhouse. Key impacts include:
- Boost in international trade and investment
- Growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors
- Expansion of cargo and logistics services
- Increase in employment opportunities across aviation, retail, and transport
Conclusion: Pune’s Evolving Air Travel Landscape
Pune currently operates with a single international airport (PNQ), while major expansion projects and the proposed Purandar Airport are set to transform its aviation future. With rising passenger numbers and global demand, Pune is on track to become a leading aviation hub in western India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pune has one main airport that handles both domestic and international flights. The airport has undergone recent upgrades and expansions to meet growing demand.
Does Pune have an international airport or a domestic airport?
Yes, Pune has one airport that serves both international and domestic flights. It’s called Pune International Airport and handles flights to destinations within India and abroad.
Can you list the airports located in Pune?
Pune has only one operational airport: Pune International Airport (PNQ). This single airport manages all commercial air traffic for the city.
What is the updated name of the airport in Pune?
The airport in Pune is officially named Pune International Airport. It has not undergone any recent name changes.
Is there a Terminal 2 at Pune Airport, and if so, what are its features?
Yes, Pune Airport has Terminal 2. This new terminal was recently inaugurated and is dedicated to handling international passengers.
Where is the new airport project planned in Pune?
Pune plans to build a new greenfield airport in the Purandar area, about 40 kilometres southeast of the city centre.
Which terminal at Pune Airport handles domestic flights?
Terminal 1 at Pune Airport handles domestic flights. This terminal manages all flights to destinations within India.