Pune International Airport: A Gateway to Global Destinations

Pune International Airport is the oldest airport with its origin before India gained independence. The airport has been serving the Air Force in its military operations. The airport is one of the oldest in the city, although it has been operating international flights since 2005. The airport commences operations to Dubai and Singapore. 

The international airport has 2 terminals with domestic flights and connects more than 10 major cities in India. It adds major flights with operating flights to various cities of India and abroad. The flights from domestic terminals as Air Asia, Air India Express, and Air Asia India. It also has various other domestic & international operators, such as Indigo, GoAir, Vistara, and Spice Jet. 

Terminal 2 operates with major airlines that operate from the airport, such as Lufthansa and Air India Express.

It is to be named Sant Tukaram Maharaj Airport. The name is approved by the Maharashtra Government, although final approval is awaited from the centre.

Pune is the second largest city of Maharashtra. It has many developments in the IT/ITES space. The city has a historical background with many historical places. It is one of the famous tourist destinations, and with Western Ghats being the most beautiful and with scenic views, it makes monsoon the season to visit.

The city attracts tourists as international and domestic travellers. The city is making it with immediate developments, such as Highways and expressways. The city has many hotels and guesthouses to serve the needs of people, and is near airports. 

The airport is one of the most developed locations, handling 2.8 million passengers in a year. The infrastructural developments have passengers with various facilities, all according to leisure activities, and convenient transport facilities. The project includes cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, and spas.

Some facts about Pune International Airport:

Pune International Airport, also known as Pune Lohegaon Airport, has the airport code PNQ. 

It has the owner as the Indian Air Force and is managed by the Airport Authority of India.

The airport is located at Lohegaon, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

The project gives two terminals, operating since 1939.

It has a runway length of 2539 metres and 8329 sq ft.

The facilities at Pune airport include Lounges, ATM, and Wi-Fi. It offers currency exchange, baggage trolleys, and shopping stores. The project gives Cafes & Restaurants, baby care rooms, medical services, and lost and found centres.

Pune airport has modern terminals ensuring a hassle-free journey. 

It has two terminals, 1 and 2.

Pune Airport T-1 with 22,000 sq m. 

It ensures the handling of the entire air traffic. 

The terminals operate with arrivals and departures for domestic and international flights. 

It has a huge number of domestic flight operators catering to 10 major cities. 

It can accommodate 45 pax with arrivals and departures. 

Aerobridges, 26 check-in counters within Terminal 1.

A hassle-free experience, convenient developments welcome you at the Pune airport. 

Pune airport Terminal 1 up-gradation: The Airport Authority of India has decided to upgrade the old terminal building (Terminal 1). The upgrades of Pune Airport Terminal 1 are in progress. According to the Civil Aviation Minister, construction work is ongoing. 

The airport has boosted passenger handling with terminal buildings. It increases passenger capacity to 1.05 Crore passengers annually. The addition of the Pune airport terminal 1 upgrade:

It gets a new departure gate.

It has 48 Check-in counters.

It has 2 automated boarding gates.

It connects with 2 expanded counters.

The Pune airport has 6000 square metres of area, added with the Terminal 1 building. As per the officials, Rs 25 Crore has been approved by the Central Government for the Terminal 1 upgrade. The construction work of Terminal 1 is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. 

Pune Airport – Terminal 2:

It has Pune Airport T-2 with its operations commencing on 14 July, 2024. 

Construction work began in 2018.

AAI has come up with new developments in Rs 40 Crores. 

05th March 2025 onwards, T-2 is operational for flights. 

Pune airport terminal features facilities that provide a streamlined travel experience.

The airport terminal has 10 aero-bridges and 25 self-check-in kiosks.

34 check-in counters, 5 baggage carousels.

It has 2 baggage carousels for international travel.

80 percent with total flight operations, including international & domestic flights.

The terminal building has traditional arts and elements of architecture. 

The building has a VIP lounge and offers immediate access to the airport terminal buildings.

Pune International Airport offers convenience to passengers.

The airport has a Spice Jet check-in counter; the services offered include snacks, wi-fi, flight monitors, newspapers, and magazines. 

Earth lounge: On the first floor near gate number 7 with access partners. 

The services are on the first floor at Gate number 7. It adds several access points to partners. 

The services available in the lounge include excellent food, TV, and Wi-fi.

How to reach the Pune airport from the city.

You can reach by hiring a taxi.

Auto rickshaws also run from the airport. 

A local bus service is available too.

It will soon connect with four Pune metro services that are in different directions in the city. 

Although Pune is a multi-lingual city, it is not difficult to settle here for expats. The educated people here speak all languages, including English, Hindi, and other regional languages. The city is neat and clean, and people do not hold any grudge against non-Marathi speaking people, as shown in the news. The city is known for many educational institutes, such as Bharathi Vidyapeeth and Symbiosis. 

The DY Patil Cricket stadium hosts many international matches, the IPL season, and many domestic matches in cricket. 

The food is all cuisines, which is more towards South Indian and Vada Pav. Although few could consider it as snacks, if you ask for something else, then you will get spicy foods on offer. It does not have any authentic state-based foods except for Pav-Bhaji, Misel Pav. The culture of pav and chai is all you find here. Once you enter Maharashtra, the seafood is limited to Mumbai, but eateries in Pune will mainly serve South Indian food. 

So, if you wish to have something good to eat as continental, Chinese, or any other dish that serves your appetite, do check in at a good hotel with a café. 

So, what you expect is a culture which is about finding ways with nothing special but bhakts of Marathi speakers, and trying to develop it is nothing more than a gimmick. The bar culture was spreading soon in all areas, but got a setback when the state court ruled it out.   

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