Pune International Airport — Local services in Pune

In the fiscal year 2024–25, Pune Airport recorded approximately 10.54 million passengers, marking a 10.66% rise over 2023–24 and cementing its position among India’s busiest airports (handling ~95 lakhs in 2023–24) . Daily flight movements average around 200, with the airport completing roughly 68,557 aircraft movements in FY 2024–25, up 7% from the previous year . Cargo volume increased by nearly 8.85%, totaling around 41,191 tonnes, with international cargo rebounding strongly after hitting zero previously .

🏢 New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB)

All flight operations, both domestic and international, were migrated to the new integrated terminal building (NITB) on March 5, 2025, located on a 52,000 sqm site . Designed to handle up to 9 million passengers annually, and awarded a four‑star GRIHA rating, the terminal includes:

10 aerobridges

34 check‑in counters & 25 self‑check kiosks

5 baggage carousels (2 dedicated to international arrivals)

Energy-efficient systems and modern lounges, retail, and F&B facilities

The architecture blends Maharashtra’s cultural motifs and local art installations alongside standard brand outlets like Starbucks, KFC, and Pune’s local favorite, Chitale Bandhu sweets .

✅ Passenger Experience & Facilities

Positive changes include smoother check-in and security procedures, and more varied F&B options. However, passengers continue to report transportation hassles after arriving, due to the requirement to reach the separate “AeroMall” for cab pickups, which often involves cramped shuttle buses and extended transit times . Wait times from landing to taxi access can stretch up to 50+ minutes, especially frustrating after long flights .

Users have raised concerns over non-functioning basic facilities initially reported in late 2024—such as broken flight display boards and DigiYatra kiosks—as well as limited restroom availability in certain areas . Lounge access exists but is relatively limited: a small credit‑card lounge near gate 2 (for RuPay, IndusInd, DCB cardholders) plus another near gate 6, described online as modest and under‑equipped .

⚠️ Operational Challenges

Pune Airport endured significant flight delays in 2024–25—over 12,260 delays (5,982 arrivals and 6,279 departures)—often attributed to infrastructure strain such as limited aircraft parking capacity (only 10 bays). Airlines estimate at least eight more bays are needed, with delays lasting several hours in some cases . Airport authorities are negotiating a land transfer from the Air Force to add more parking space .

🔧 Redevelopment of Old Terminal & Future

Demolition and redevelopment of the old terminal began in March 2025 and are slated for completion by August 2025. The plan is to repurpose part of the old arrival hall into expanded departure space, seamlessly connected to the NITB via a corridor, enhancing passenger flow and capacity .

There are also proposals for a new international cargo terminal to support expanding trade operations adjacent to the current facility .

🎯 Final Verdict

The New Integrated Terminal marks a substantial modernization for Pune Airport—significantly improving capacity, design, and sustainability. Passenger experience is enhanced by new amenities, lounges, dining, and retail. However, the airport still faces operational bottlenecks, particularly in ground transport logistics and aircraft parking that contribute to frequent delays. While many issues are actively being addressed, travelers should remain aware of potential transit...

Pune International Airport, located in Lohegaon, is the major airport serving the city of Pune and nearby regions, and while it is a civil enclave inside an Indian Air Force base, it still handles a significant number of domestic and a few international flights. The airport is compact compared to major metros, but it is steadily growing and has all the essential facilities a traveller needs. The terminal is clean, functional, and easy to navigate, which makes the overall experience smooth, especially for frequent flyers. Security and boarding areas are well managed, although during peak hours the airport can feel congested because of limited space and increasing passenger traffic. Seating arrangements are available, but finding a seat during rush hours can be difficult. The check-in counters of major airlines like IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, etc., are well organised, and most airlines allow web check-in to avoid queues.

Inside the terminal, there are multiple food and beverage outlets including Café Coffee Day, Chai Point, Haldiram-like snack counters, and bakery stalls, although the prices are airport-standard and slightly higher. A few retail outlets and duty-free shops (for international passengers) are available, offering snacks, books, souvenirs, and essentials. Restrooms are clean but limited in number, and the airport could improve in terms of washroom capacity for peak crowds. There are charging points near many seats, and free Wi-Fi is provided (time-limited). The airport has baggage trolleys, elevators, basic wheelchair facilities, and helpdesks for passengers needing assistance.

Outside the terminal, prepaid taxi, app-based cabs (Ola/Uber), and auto-rickshaws are easily available, and the airport is well connected to the city via Viman Nagar and Airport Road. However, due to the narrow entry road, traffic jams are common at peak arrival/departure times. Parking is available but slightly expensive for long-duration stays. Since the airport shares its runway with the Air Force, there are no late-night or 24-hour commercial flights, and passengers may notice restricted photography zones because of military regulations.

The biggest limitation of Pune Airport is space and capacity—with rising passenger numbers, the terminal often feels overcrowded, and expansion is in progress with the upcoming new terminal and proposed international airport at Purandar. However, despite its small size, the airport is efficient, well-staffed, and ideal for short and medium-duration flights. Overall, Pune International Airport is a well-managed but space-limited airport, offering a decent travel experience with scope for improvement once the new infrastructure becomes...

Pune Airport (IATA: PNQ, ICAO: VAPO) is an international airport and an Indian Air Force base serving the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. It is located at Lohegaon, approximately 11 km (6.8 mi) northeast of the historic centre of Pune. The airport is a civil enclave operated by the Airports Authority of India at the western side of Lohegaon Air Force Station of the Indian Air Force. The airport is the ninth-busiest airport by passenger traffic in India. The airport serves both domestic and international flights. In financial year 2023-24, the airport handled over 9.5 million passengers.

Pune Airport has a 2,540 m long runway oriented 10/28. A former secondary runway is now used as a taxiway by the IAF. A 2200m x 23m parallel taxiway was constructed by AAI to facilitate civil operation on the southern side of runway 10/28. The airfield is equipped with night landing facilities as well as navigational facilities like DVOR/DME and an NDB. As Pune's air traffic control is operated by the IAF, there is often friction between the AAI and the IAF over flight schedules and night landings. There is currently a basic working relationship between the two parties; they have agreed to allow night landings of civilian flights for the time being, though this is not a long-term solution. Air India commenced a route to Dubai, the airport's first international flight, in December 2005. Indian Airlines began service to Singapore the following day. In 2004–05, the airport handled about 165 passengers a day or around 60,000 passengers. It increased to 250 passengers a day in 2005–06. There was a sharp rise in 2006–07 when the number reached 4,309 passengers a day (1,500,000 a year) and more than 2.8 million passengers a year in 2010–2011 (about 8,000 passengers a day). The Airports Authority of India has invested ₹ 40 crore in 2018 for a brand new second terminal, which will be integrated into the existing one in order to ease air traffic. Construction began in late 2018 and was completed in March 2024. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 March 2024, and was opened on 14 July 2024. There is a proposal of creating an international cargo facility from this airport. This project will enable foreign cargo operators to operate in the airport. The airport was declared as customs airport on 17 January 1997, primarily for exporting perishable agricultural products. This project will also help to attract of foreign airlines to operate to the airport. The 600 sq.m. terminal will be located adjacent to the new adjacent...