The much-anticipated direct international flight from Pune to Bangkok, initially scheduled to commence on October 27, has been postponed to November 22, according to Pune airport officials. The rescheduled flight aims to enhance connectivity between Pune and Thailand’s capital, a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers. This delay comes after the airport’s initial announcement last month, which included the launch of two major international routes—a daily service to Dubai and a thrice-weekly flight to Bangkok. The commencement of these routes was also shared by Union Minister of State for Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, on his X (formerly Twitter) account on September 19, sparking excitement among Pune’s frequent flyers.
IndiGo, which will be operating the Pune-Bangkok route, has now revised the schedule for this service. The direct flight will operate three times a week, providing flexibility for travelers and catering to the growing demand for international travel from Pune. With the online booking portal open, passengers are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance.
Santosh Dhoke, Director of Pune Airport, shared insights into the reasons behind the change in the flight schedule. He explained that the revision was made to ensure better passenger occupancy and to inform travelers about the newly launched flights. “The last time another airline launched flights to Bangkok, they unfortunately had to suspend the service due to low passenger occupancy. To avoid a similar outcome, IndiGo has adjusted the schedule, and we now expect the flights to begin on November 22,” Dhoke said.
Dhoke further elaborated that Pune Airport is taking several steps to improve its international operations. With the introduction of these direct flights, Pune is positioning itself as a growing international travel hub, expanding options for both outbound and inbound travelers. “The changes in flight scheduling are part of a broader effort to avoid any potential issues with low demand and to ensure the long-term sustainability of these international routes,” he added.
The postponement of the Pune-Bangkok flight is seen as a strategic decision to boost passenger awareness and increase bookings. This approach is designed to avoid the challenges faced by the previous airline that operated on this route. As Dhoke highlighted, the decision to alter the launch date will allow IndiGo to further promote the flight, ensuring that the service garners enough interest and maintains a healthy occupancy rate.
Travelers planning a trip from Pune to Bangkok can look forward to seamless connections and competitive fares. Bangkok has long been a popular destination for Indian tourists due to its vibrant culture, affordable shopping, and convenient location as a gateway to Southeast Asia. In recent years, business ties between India and Thailand have also strengthened, increasing the demand for flights between the two countries.
The resumption of international flights from Pune marks a significant development in the city’s aviation sector. Pune has seen a growing need for more international routes due to its emergence as a prominent business hub and a favored tourist destination. The new thrice-weekly Pune-Bangkok flight is expected to serve the growing population of travelers who prefer convenient and direct international connections from Pune, bypassing the need to travel to larger airports in Mumbai or Delhi.
With the increasing number of international flights being introduced, Pune Airport has also been undergoing infrastructure upgrades to handle the rising passenger traffic. These include the construction of a New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) to improve the passenger experience and enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate international flights.
In conclusion, while the postponement of the Pune-Bangkok direct flight to November 22 may have disappointed some travelers, the revised schedule aims to ensure a successful launch with strong passenger demand. Pune Airport officials and IndiGo are optimistic about the route’s potential, expecting it to draw in both business and leisure travelers seeking direct, convenient access to Thailand. The availability of online bookings and promotional efforts is likely to attract considerable interest ahead of the new launch date. As Pune continues to develop as an international gateway, the introduction of more such routes will further cement its role in India’s expanding aviation landscape.