What is the name of Pune Airport? Pune International Airport in Lohegaon connects Pune to major domestic and international destinations. Learn about its history, terminals, airlines, facilities, and future Purandar Airport expansion in this detailed travel guide.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
The city of Pune, known as the “Oxford of the East”, is one of India’s most vibrant cultural and educational hubs. As a rapidly growing metropolitan area, Pune attracts students, professionals, and tourists from across the globe. The key gateway connecting Pune to the rest of India and the world is the Pune International Airport — officially named Pune Airport (IATA: PNQ, ICAO: VAPO).
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything about Pune Airport — from its history, infrastructure, terminals, facilities, airlines, and future expansion plans, to useful travel tips that make your journey smoother.
Table of Contents
Official Name and Location of Pune Airport
The official name of Pune’s airport is Pune International Airport, and it is located in Lohegaon, approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Pune city center. The airport serves both domestic and international flights, making it one of the most crucial aviation hubs in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
- IATA Code: PNQ
- ICAO Code: VAPO
- Type: Civil Enclave (shared with Indian Air Force base)
- Operator: Airports Authority of India (AAI)
Its strategic position provides easy access to major areas like Viman Nagar, Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar, and Kharadi, making it a convenient travel point for both business and leisure travelers.
A Brief History of Pune International Airport
The Pune Airport was originally established as a military airbase by the Indian Air Force. Over the years, due to the increasing demand for air travel in Pune, a portion of the airbase was converted into a civil enclave, and commercial flight operations began under the management of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
In 2005, Pune Airport gained international status, following the initiation of direct flights to Dubai and Singapore. Since then, the airport has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic, cargo operations, and airline partnerships.
Airport Terminals and Facilities
1. Domestic Terminal
The domestic terminal handles flights within India and operates routes to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
It offers a modern, air-conditioned facility with amenities such as:
- Check-in counters and baggage services
- Security check and boarding gates
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Retail stores and food courts
- Free Wi-Fi and lounge facilities
2. International Terminal
The international terminal serves flights to destinations such as Dubai, Doha, Singapore, and Frankfurt (via connecting routes).
It provides facilities including:
- Immigration and customs clearance
- Duty-free shopping
- Currency exchange desks
- Executive lounges for premium travelers
The airport’s terminals are well-maintained, with 24-hour security, CCTV monitoring, and efficient staff support, ensuring a safe and pleasant travel experience.
Airlines Operating from Pune Airport
Several major airlines operate both domestic and international flights from Pune International Airport, including:
Domestic Airlines
- IndiGo Airlines – Largest operator with multiple daily flights to metro cities.
- Air India – Offers full-service domestic and connecting international flights.
- Vistara – Premium airline with direct flights to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
- SpiceJet – Low-cost carrier covering major Indian routes.
- Akasa Air – New entrant connecting Pune to northern and southern India.
- AirAsia India – Affordable routes with a focus on short-haul connectivity.
International Airlines
- Air India Express – Regular flights to Dubai and Sharjah.
- Qatar Airways – Connecting Pune to Doha and other global destinations.
- Lufthansa (via code-sharing agreements) – Offers connectivity to Europe and North America through partner routes.
Passenger Traffic and Airport Statistics
Pune International Airport handles over 9 million passengers annually, making it one of India’s busiest airports by passenger count. The airport also facilitates cargo operations, moving thousands of tons of goods each year — particularly for Pune’s automobile, pharmaceutical, and IT industries.
According to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the airport recorded:
- Passenger Traffic (FY 2023-24): Approx. 9.2 million
- Aircraft Movements: Over 68,000
- Cargo Handled: 30,000+ metric tons
These numbers reflect the airport’s growing importance as a major aviation hub in Western India.
Future Expansion: The New Pune Airport at Purandar
Due to space limitations at the current Lohegaon site, plans are underway for a new Pune International Airport in Purandar, about 40 kilometers southeast of Pune city.
Key Details About the Purandar Airport Project:
- Proposed Name: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport
- Location: Purandar Taluka, Pune District
- Runway Length: 4 kilometers (capable of handling wide-body aircraft)
- Expected Completion: Within the next few years (subject to government approval and land acquisition progress)
Once operational, the Purandar Airport will feature world-class infrastructure, two runways, and state-of-the-art terminals to accommodate both passenger and cargo traffic. It aims to decongest the current Lohegaon Airport and support Pune’s growing aviation needs.
Transportation and Connectivity
By Road
Pune Airport is well connected to all parts of the city via Viman Nagar Road and Nagar Road (NH-753F). Travelers can reach the airport using:
- Auto-rickshaws and taxis
- Ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber
- Private cabs and car rentals
By Bus
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) operates several routes connecting the airport to different areas of Pune, including Shivajinagar, Swargate, and Pune Railway Station.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Pune Junction, located about 8 kilometers away. Passengers can take taxis or buses from the station to reach the airport easily.
Parking and Passenger Facilities
Pune International Airport offers ample parking space for both short-term and long-term use.
- Two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking available.
- Digital payment options are accepted.
- Drop-off and pick-up zones are conveniently marked for smooth passenger flow.
Other facilities include:
- Medical assistance and first-aid rooms
- Baby care rooms
- Information desks
- Wheelchair and special assistance for senior citizens and differently-abled passengers
Hotels Near Pune Airport
For travelers seeking convenience, several hotels are located within a 5 km radius of the airport:
- Novotel Pune Viman Nagar – Premium business hotel with excellent amenities.
- Hyatt Regency Pune – Luxury hotel ideal for business travelers.
- Four Points by Sheraton – Located just minutes from the airport.
- FabHotel Blossom Pune Airport – Budget-friendly option with good comfort.
Most of these hotels offer airport shuttle services for guests.
Interesting Facts About Pune Airport
- The airport serves as a base for the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters.
- Pune Airport ranked among the top 10 busiest airports in India by passenger volume.
- It has received multiple AAI awards for cleanliness and operational excellence.
- Plans are underway to introduce automated baggage handling and self-check-in kiosks for faster processing.
Conclusion
The official name of Pune Airport is Pune International Airport, located in Lohegaon, Maharashtra. It is a vital link connecting Pune to major Indian and international destinations. With growing passenger traffic, advanced infrastructure, and a new airport in Purandar on the horizon, Pune’s aviation future looks brighter than ever.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or a tourist exploring Maharashtra, Pune Airport ensures a safe, comfortable, and efficient travel experience every time.
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