IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest low-cost carrier, has launched two new direct international flights from Pune (PNQ), marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion strategy. As of Friday, November 23, 2024, the airline now offers direct connections from Pune to Dubai (DXB) and Bangkok (BKK). These new routes are expected to play a key role in enhancing connectivity, especially as Pune continues to grow as a hub for the IT and automobile sectors.
The Pune-Dubai flight is scheduled daily, with departures from Pune at 17:40 and an arrival in Dubai at 22:10. The return flight from Dubai departs at 00:15, making it convenient for passengers traveling between the two cities. The Pune-Bangkok route operates three times a week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—with the flight leaving Pune at 23:10 and arriving in Bangkok at 01:15. The return flight departs Bangkok at 01:15, making it an ideal option for both business and leisure travelers.
An IndiGo spokesperson emphasized the significance of these new routes, stating that they would boost Pune’s growing role in the IT and automobile industries. Pune has seen rapid growth in both sectors, and direct international connectivity is expected to foster greater trade and tourism. With these new flights, IndiGo aims to serve both business travelers, who require efficient connections, and tourists looking to explore these popular destinations.
The new flights are part of IndiGo’s broader strategy to expand its international network, which already includes a wide range of destinations across Asia and the Middle East. Vinay Malhotra, IndiGo’s Head of Global Sales, shared that with the launch of these new routes, IndiGo now operates over 85 direct weekly flights to Thailand from eight Indian cities, further strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia. This expansion aligns with the airline’s commitment to increasing the frequency and accessibility of international flights from key Indian cities.
For Pune, the addition of direct flights to Dubai and Bangkok holds particular importance. Dubai is a major business hub and a popular tourist destination, while Bangkok is increasingly becoming a preferred location for both leisure travel and business expansion. With easy access to these cities, businesses in Pune will be better positioned to engage with international markets, particularly in sectors like technology and automotive, which are pivotal to the city’s economy.
In addition to facilitating business, these new international routes are expected to boost tourism in both directions. Dubai and Bangkok are well-known global tourist hotspots, and the ability to travel directly from Pune will make them more accessible to both Indian tourists and international visitors. The move aligns with IndiGo’s broader goal of enhancing regional tourism and economic development by offering affordable and convenient international travel options.
The airline’s focus on expanding its network to meet the demands of both business and leisure passengers is reflected in its consistent growth in international connectivity. With these new routes to Dubai and Bangkok, IndiGo continues to solidify its position as one of the most prominent carriers in the region, catering to the diverse needs of travelers while fostering economic growth through enhanced connectivity.