Pune Airport has rolled out its winter schedule, effective from Sunday, with an expanded lineup of flights, including five new domestic and two additional international connections.
As Diwali approaches, the surge in passenger numbers adds pressure on the airport’s infrastructure. To enhance efficiency, airport authorities have implemented measures to minimize wait times for travelers. More CISF personnel will be stationed, and airline staff have been instructed to increase check-in counters to handle the holiday rush effectively.
The airport currently accommodates approximately 35,000 to 38,000 passengers daily across both terminals. During Diwali, this figure typically rises by an additional 3,000 to 4,000 passengers. Past complaints of prolonged wait times at check-in counters, sometimes extending to 20-22 minutes, have led the administration to set new benchmarks: a maximum of nine minutes for security checks and ten minutes at check-in counters.
International Flight Expansion
Pune Airport presently operates two international routes, connecting to Dubai and Singapore. With an upcoming flight to Bangkok, Thailand will soon be added to the list, along with a second service to Dubai. This expansion brings the total to two daily flights between Pune and Dubai.
On average, 190 flights take off or land daily at the airport, with about 35,000 passengers utilizing these services.
Red-Eye Slot Gains Popularity
Passenger preferences have recently shifted, with red-eye flights (10 pm to 5 am) growing in demand. Previously considered inconvenient, these flights now appeal to travelers for several reasons. Under the winter schedule, red-eye services have increased, now accommodating 38 flights daily. The rising interest over the past one to two years has led to high booking rates in this time slot.
Benefits of Red-Eye Flights
- Passengers can avoid overnight hotel stays, saving on accommodation.
- Ideal for same-day returns, making short trips more efficient.
- Ticket prices are around 40% lower than daytime flights.
- Minimal risk of traffic delays during late-night travel.
With these adjustments, Pune Airport is prepared to handle the holiday influx more smoothly, while also catering to the evolving preferences of modern air travelers.
Tags: Pune Airport, Dubai, Singapore, flights, Diwali travel
