Pune currently has only two direct flights
The winter schedule would run till March 27, 2027, and airport sources were optimistic that more flights would gradually be introduced. The airport has 235 allocated slots, of which 216 are occupied. He pointed to Pune’s dual-use airfield, the lone 2,535m runway, limited apron capacity and restricted civilian operating windows, with airlines having to accommodate military requirements.
Because of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, dhoke said many airlines had shown interest in starting international flights before shelving those plans. “Pune’s subdued winter schedule may not be primarily due to the current geopolitical situation.
IndiGo will operate a direct flight to Bhubaneswar, airport director Santosh Dhoke said. The airline has taken a slot to operate on the route during peak hours,” he told TOI . Sources at the airport said high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and consequent revision of fuel surcharges could discourage airlines from making any immediate expansion plans. “Airlines are being cautious and cutting routes to control fuel costs,” the source said. Airlines have sought additional slots and Dhoke said their requests were under consideration. Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar said more than geopolitical tensions, infrastructure constraints could pose a bigger hurdle for expansion at the airport. Aircraft availability and supply-chain challenges too were concerns, he said. International airspace closures can disrupt overseas operations, but their direct impact on domestic flights from Pune is generally limited,” Vandekar said.
“Another airline will start a flight to Kolkata, but it is not a new sector. “Things look uncertain now. The closure of Dammam airport forced several Indian airlines to cancel flights to the Saudi Arabian city,” he explained, adding that airlines could reconsider if conditions improve.