Pune’s New International Airport at Purandar to be Operational by 2029; Many New Airports and Existing Airports To be Upgraded in the State

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently chaired a high-level review meeting at ‘Sahyadri’ in Mumbai to assess the progress of aviation infrastructure projects across the state. The meeting focused on the development of new airports and the modernization of existing ones, with Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol providing key updates on the ambitious projects.

Purandar International Airport to be Operational by 2029

Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Purandar Greenfield International Airport in Pune district will be finalized by September 2025. The airport is projected to become operational by March 2029. This new airport aims to significantly boost air connectivity and support Pune’s growing aviation demands.

Navi Mumbai International Airport Progress

The Navi Mumbai International Airport is on track to be completed by March 2025. Domestic flight services are scheduled to commence in March, while international operations will begin in April 2025. The airport is expected to ease congestion at Mumbai International Airport and serve as a major aviation hub in the state.

Nagpur and Shirdi Airports Re-carpeting

The re-carpeting of runways at Nagpur and Shirdi airports is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2025. The upgrades will help both airports accommodate increased flight operations and improve passenger convenience.

Amravati Airport Upgrades

Amravati Airport will soon be equipped with night landing facilities. Additionally, the airport will host the largest Flight Training Organization (FTO) in South Asia, expected to be operational by July 2025.

Solapur and Kolhapur Airports Expansion

Solapur air services are set to commence soon. Kolhapur Airport will undergo runway expansion with expedited land acquisition. Night landing facilities at both airports will also be introduced to enhance operational efficiency and increase flight schedules.

New Terminal Building at Jalgaon Airport

A decision has been made to construct a new terminal building at Jalgaon Airport to meet growing passenger traffic and improve infrastructure facilities.

Gadchiroli Airport Development

Land acquisition for a new airport in Gadchiroli will commence shortly, enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure development in the district.

Pune International Airport Runway Expansion

The Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey for the runway extension at Pune International Airport has been completed. Land acquisition for the expansion is expected to be finalized within the next six months, ensuring the airport can handle larger aircraft and increased passenger volumes.

Water Aerodromes Surveys in Maharashtra

Surveys for potential water aerodromes at Pawana, Gangapur, and Khindsi dams will be conducted soon. These aerodromes aim to boost tourism and offer alternative air travel options.

Additional Airport Enhancements Across Maharashtra

Discussions also covered the improvement of air connectivity and infrastructure at Ratnagiri, Gondia, Akola, and Sambhajinagar airports. Upgrades to terminal facilities and runway expansions were also reviewed for these locations.

The review meeting, attended by senior officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Maharashtra Airport Development Corporation (MADC), the Army, and other agencies, focused on land acquisition, terminal construction, night landing facilities, runway expansions, and overall infrastructure development across Maharashtra airports.

Murlidhar Mohol emphasized the rapid growth of the aviation sector, highlighting the need for accelerated infrastructure development to meet the increasing demand for air travel in the state.