Pune Airport
Pune Airport, in Lohegaon about 10 kilometers northeast of Pune’s city center, is a major aviation gateway in western India. It combines a military airfield with civil aviation operations and serves a region known for education, IT, manufacturing, and culture. Annual passenger traffic surpassed 9 million in 2018–2019.
The airport was renamed Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport in 2024, honoring the revered 17th-century Marathi saint and poet. The state approved the change and forwarded it for central government notification; a 2025 milestone summary described that notification as pending. For updates, consult official resources and trusted news sources such as Punekar News, The Bridge Chronicle, and Discover Airport.
History and development
Military origins and civil aviation
Pune Airport began as an Indian Air Force (IAF) military airfield in Lohegaon. For decades, its primary role was defense. Under a dual-use arrangement, the IAF retained operational control while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) managed civil aviation services, reflecting the area’s strategic importance (Discover Airport).
As Pune emerged as an educational and economic hub, civil operations expanded rapidly from the late 20th century. The terminal was developed to serve domestic and select international flights, and annual passenger traffic exceeded 9 million by 2018–2019 (Discover Airport).
Renaming
In 2024, the Maharashtra government approved renaming the airport after Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The proposal, led by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, moved through the state assembly and was forwarded to the central government for final notification (Punekar News; Jagran Josh).
Sant Tukaram Maharaj (1608–1649) was a Marathi saint-poet and social reformer. His abhangas (devotional poetry) and teachings on equality and devotion are central to the Warkari tradition. His maternal roots are believed to trace back to the Lohegaon area (Punekar News).
The renaming reflects a wider trend of honoring local heritage through airport names, similar to airports in Ayodhya and Chandigarh. It received political and public support, including endorsements from Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol and state leaders (Hindustan Times).
Expansion and future plans
The newly inaugurated terminal covers 750,000 sq. ft. and is designed to handle 16 million passengers annually (HomeBazaar). Its features include:
- 72 check-in counters
- 10 passenger boarding bridges
- In-line baggage handling
- Modern security and immigration
The old terminal is being redeveloped, adding 4,000 sq. meters and integrating it with the new facility (PuneNow).
In February 2025, the airport was due to receive 13 acres of IAF land for a new cargo terminal, additional parking bays for wide-body aircraft such as Dreamliners, and expanded apron areas. The upgrades were projected to accommodate 20–30 additional aircraft daily (The Bridge Chronicle). Land acquisition for runway expansion is intended to permit larger aircraft and more international flights (Hindustan Times).
Planned transport improvements include metro links, alternate roads, and better bus services (HomeBazaar). The airport also serves 35 domestic and three international destinations—Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok—with direct European flights planned by 2026.
The new Purandar Airport, 40 km away, is planned to handle 75 million passengers annually. Its Detailed Project Report was due in 2025, with operations expected by 2029 (Pune Pulse; Punekar News). A water aerodrome at Pavana Dam is also proposed for seaplane connectivity. The airport’s ongoing upgrades and related projects are intended to strengthen Pune’s position as an aviation and economic hub, generate jobs, improve connectivity, and support tourism and industry (HomeBazaar; PuneNow).
Renaming and development milestones
| Year/Date | Event or development |
|---|---|
| Pre-2024 | Lohegaon Airport served as a dual-use military-civilian airport |
| 2018–2019 | Annual passenger traffic exceeded 9 million |
| September 2024 | Maharashtra cabinet approved the renaming |
| December 2024 | State assembly resolution passed; proposal sent to the central government |
| February 2025 | 13-acre IAF land transfer for expansion |
| 2025 (pending) | Awaiting central government notification of the new name |
What to see
Pune Airport’s terminal facilities include check-in counters, passenger boarding bridges, in-line baggage handling, and security and immigration services. The airport also provides access to Pune’s cultural and historical landmarks, including Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, and Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
Practical visiting information
- Airport hours The airport operates 24/7, but terminal services follow flight schedules. Confirm timings with your airline before traveling.
- Tickets Book through airline websites, authorized agents, or airport counters during operational hours.
- Connectivity The airport serves 35 domestic and three international destinations: Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok. Direct European flights are planned by 2026.
Travel tips and accessibility
- Avoid peak congestion by traveling mid-morning or late evening.
- Arrive 2–3 hours before departure.
- Transport options include taxis, app-based cabs, airport express shuttles, and soon, integrated metro links. Public transport and pre-booked taxis are also options.
- Short- and long-term parking is available near the terminals; check the airport website for rates.
- Facilities include ramps, elevators, wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and priority services for differently-abled passengers. Request special assistance in advance if needed.
- The airport offers 30 minutes of free WiFi. International travelers can request access codes at the information desk (India Airports).
- DigiYatra enables contactless check-in using facial recognition (Travel + Leisure Asia).
Nearby places
Shaniwar Wada
Built in 1732 by Peshwa Bajirao I, Shaniwar Wada served as the seat of the Maratha Empire. Despite fire damage in 1828, it remains a symbol of Pune’s history. Its features include the grand Delhi Darwaza, the Lion’s Gate, Mughal-style gardens, and palace ruins.
- Hours 9:00 AM–5:30 PM daily
- Tickets INR 25 for Indians; INR 300 for foreigners; free for children under 15
- Access 10 km from Pune Airport. It is reachable by taxi, bus, or auto from Pune Railway Station, which is 3 km away.
- Experiences Guided tours and audio guides are available. The site is popular for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. An evening light and sound show narrating Maratha history runs except on Mondays. Ramps and accessible routes are available for visitors with mobility needs.
- Nearby Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple is 1 km away, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is 1.5 km away, and Parvati Hill is a short drive away.
Visitor tips include wearing comfortable shoes, carrying water, and visiting early or late to avoid crowds. Check the Official Pune Tourism - Shaniwar Wada site for the latest updates. More information is available at Shaniwar Wada on Wikipedia.
Other nearby landmarks include Aga Khan Palace, a historic site connected with India’s independence movement; the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, with its extensive artifact collection; Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, known for its spiritual significance; and Pataleshwar Cave Temple, an ancient rock-cut temple.
FAQ
What are Pune Airport’s visiting hours?
The airport is open 24/7, but check-in, security, and retail facilities follow flight schedules.
How can I book flights?
Use airline websites, travel agents, or airport counters.
Why was the airport renamed after Sant Tukaram Maharaj?
The renaming honors the saint’s legacy and local heritage.
Are parking and accessibility facilities available?
Yes. Short- and long-term parking and accessibility facilities are available.
Is DigiYatra available?
Yes. DigiYatra enables faster, contactless airport processing.
