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Pune Airport PNQ: Location, Flights, Lounges & More
If you are planning to come to Pune either by flight or by moving to the city for your work, most probably you’ll arrive via Pune Airport. This is one of the busiest airports in the country, and besides, it is also one of the few best-rated airports in terms of passenger experience.Â
In fact, the Pune Airport PNQ was ranked first in the Airports Council International service quality survey consecutively two years in a row of 2025 and even outperformed several larger airports.
Nevertheless, if you are a tourist visiting Pune or someone who’s going to move to the city for work, this article will cover just about everything you need to find out. From ways to get to and from the airport, when it is operating, which airlines fly from there, places to take a rest before your flight, and most exciting stuff upon your arrival in Pune.
So let’s dive straight in!
Pune Airport – Quick Overview
Here are some facts that you should know about:
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Pune International Airport |
| Proposed New Name | Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport (pending central government approval) |
| Pune IATA Code | PNQ (Pune airport code) |
| ICAO Code | VAPO |
| Pune Airport Address | New Airport Road, Pune International Airport Area, Lohegaon, Pune |
| Operated By | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Runway | Single runway roughly 2,540 metres |
| Terminals | Terminal 1 (domestic flights) and Terminal 2 (international flights) |
How to Reach Pune Airport (and Get Into the City)
Whether you’re heading to the PNQ airport from your current location or trying to get into the city after landing, you’ve got a few solid options.
1. By Pune Metro (Ramwadi Station)
The Pune Metro won’t bring you directly to the terminal. Nevertheless, Ramwadi station on the Purple Line is very very nearby, less than 3 km away. From here you can get on an auto-rickshaw or shared cab for the final bit. It’s a nice budget choice for a lightweight backpacker who doesn’t mind getting there in 2 journeys.
2. By PMPML Bus / Airport Shuttle
Public buses operated by PMPML are a way to get around. They go on routes that connect the domestic airport Pune to parts of the city. The public buses operated by PMPML are the way to travel. However the public buses operated by PMPML are not as fast as taking a taxi.
3. By Taxi, Auto-Rickshaw & Cab Aggregators
Most people use this option. You can find the taxi booths right outside the main entrance. This way you do not have to bargain at all. The Uber and Ola taxi services are available at the Pune domestic airport too. If you want to go a distance you can easily find an auto-rickshaw.
4. Self-Drive & Parking Options
Whether you’re driving yourself or being picked up, you’ll find multi-level parking options for short and long stay parking that are available at the Pune lohegaon airport. The parking is quite simple, however it can also get busy during peak flight times.
Quick tip: Whenever you’re searching “current location to airport” or “my location to Pune airport”, make sure to add 15-20 minutes into the time taken for security checks and traffic.
Pune Airport PNQ Working Hours & Terminal Timings
Having a rough idea about when to go to the airport and what time you have to do each step can really help you have a good travel day. We have given below how the terminal is arranged and the time when you should go to the check-in counter and get to the airport in general.
1. Terminal 1 vs Terminal 2 (Domestic & International)
People get confused about Pune Airport. It is actually one building that has everything in it. Sometimes people call parts of it Pune airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Really it is all one place. If you are flying inside India or to another country you do not need to take a bus to get to the right part. You can just walk there.
The part of the airport for flights inside India is very busy. It connects Pune to cities in India. The part for flights to countries is not as busy. It has flights to places like Dubai and Singapore. Pune Airport is easy to get around because everything’s in one place.
2. Check-in & Security Timings
If you are travelling on a domestic flight, you must arrive at Pune airport (PNQ) two hours before departure and for international flights, three hours before take-off. For domestic flights you have a shut-off time of 1 hour for check-in while check-in for international flights close 75 minutes before the flight. The security check takes around 15-20 mins depending on no passengers being screened at that time.
Also see: List of IT Companies in Pune: 8 Names Ruling the IT Scene in the City
Flights from Pune Airport
Pune Airport has come a long way and now connects you to most major cities in India, plus a few international spots too. Below we have listed the airlines and routes for you:
1. Domestic Routes & Airlines
Domestic airport Pune is the entry point to lots of big cities in India. You can go to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata from Pune Airport. Some of these airlines here are IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet Alliance Air and Fly91. Pune Airport is really important for people who want to travel to cities in India.
2. International Routes & Airlines
Pune is also home to an international airport. At present, you can fly non-stop from Pune to such places as Dubai, and also Singapore. Further, it has been suggested that some European cities such as the Netherlands and Germany may be connected directly by air by 2026. As for international flights that have not been covered above, you will most likely make Delhi or Mumbai as your connecting cities.
3. How to Check Live Flight Status
If someone close to you is arriving at the Pune PNQ airport or you want to know the Pune airport flight status, a reliable source could be either your airline’s app or website or flight tracking sites.
Pune Airport Lounges
If you’ve got a long layover or just want a quieter spot before boarding, Pune Airport has two lounges worth knowing about.
1. Earth Lounge
Earth Lounge is in Terminal 1 of the Pune PNQ airport, which is the older part of the airport. It’s opposite Gate 5, just past the security exit for Terminal 1. Opening hours are generally morning to late evening, which means that you have plenty of time left before your departure most of the time. Inside, you’ll find a buffet-style spread of snacks, decent Wi-Fi, a TV, and comfy seating to just chill for a bit. It’s not going to wow you, think functional over fancy, but it does the job. You can get in using select bank cards, a Priority Pass membership, or by paying at the counter, and kids under 7 get in free.
2. Elysian Lounge
Elysian is the newer one, sitting in the fresh integrated terminal, and it’s open round the clock, which is great if you’ve got a late Pune flight schedule. It is accessible via the ground floor, just nearby Gate 5A or Gate 6, or via the first floor, behind Gate 2, near KFC. It’s not as big as you would expect, hence it can be packed, but still, you will find complimentary snacks and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and a few magazines at your disposal. Entry works through Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey, or select premium credit cards, and kids under 5 are let in free.
Frankly, since both lounges in Pune airport are a bit small, do not expect a great, five-star experience. They are more or less a quiet place to recharge your phone, munch something, and have a nice rest before your next flight.
Places to Visit Near Pune Airport
Do you have some time left before or after your flight? Pune is a city that surprises every once in a while with charm and history even if it’s just for a short visit. There are five main attractions listed here, each not far from the airport.
1. Aga Khan Palace
About 5km from the Pune airport PNQ lies the biggest landmark of Pune, which belongs to its historical side. Mahatma Gandhi and other great freedom fighters like Kasturba Gandhi and Sarojini Naidu are believed to have been captured and kept at this place. Presently, it is a museum dedicated to these periods.
2. Phoenix Marketcity
Only 3 kilometers away, it is a go-to spot for Puneans to buy, eat, or be entertained! If you have a short layover and need air conditioning, some good food, and a few minutes of retail therapy, this is a good bet for an hour.
3. Osho Teerth Park
An undisturbed little, beautifully kept garden in Koregaon Park, just steps from the Osho Ashrama. It’s quite a nice way to be away from the hustle and bustle of the airport in Pune for a while, if one simply wishes for some greenery and fresh air.
4. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
One of the major pilgrimage centres in Pune which attracts large numbers of people. It’s quite an architectural marvel and it’s one of the reasons people go there for their spiritual experiences. You have to be quite determined to get there as it is far from the airport but it is worth a trip if you have the time, especially during festivals.
5. Shaniwar Wada
A major fortification is this historical site which once was the residence for the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire. You can get to the heart of Pune’s Maratha heritage in no time.
Also see: One Day Trip Near Pune: 8 Places to Plan Your Next Weekend
Best Hotels & Stays Near Pune International Airport Area
No matter your travel situation, a long layover, an early morning flight, or even just a short business trip you could end up spending more time and money on transport alone if your base is far from the airport. A hotel close to the airport in Pune will cut down on travel time as well as transport cost. Below are a few of the best accommodations in the vicinity of Viman Nagar and the airport covering budget to business class:
1. Lemon Tree Hotel
Nice and convenient with business travelers always preferring this hotel. The distance to the airport is about 2 Km only, which will be your 5-minute ride. The price of your room would be anywhere in the range of ₹4, 500-7, 000 depending on the room.
2. 7 Apple Hotel
Good for a quick stopover without burning a hole in your pocket. It’s around 2-3 km from the International Airport Pune, and you’re looking at roughly ₹2,800-4,500 a night.
3. Magnus Square
A very well-located place and quite a hit amongst people who are there on a business visit. It is at a distance of around 1.5-2 km and the prices are normally ₹3,500-5,000.
4. Treebo Iris Suites
An excellent choice for a budget and mid-level place that gets the basics right. It is at a distance of around 2 km from the airport and the prices are normally ₹1,500-3,000 per night.
5. Zostel Pune
Great option for solo travelers and backpackers. Located right near the Pune international airport area and dorms are quite affordable with prices normally ₹600-1,000 per night.
6. Airport Stay – By AAI Hospitality
Run by the airport authority itself, so it’s about as close as you can get, well under a kilometre away. Great if you just need a bed for a short layover, usually around ₹1,500-2,000 a night.
Wrapping Up
That is all you need to know about Pune airport! Hopefully, this article will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding how to enter the airport without getting into a traffic jam, where to spend your time while waiting for your Pune airport international flights, which lounge you should go to, and which hotel to book so as not to rush at 5 am in the morning.
So whether you’re a first-timer landing here for a job interview, a frequent flyer who just wants a smoother layover, or someone finally making the big move to Pune, save this one!
FAQs
How many airports are in Pune?
There is just one right now at Pune Airport. It is located in Lohegaon.
Does Pune have two airports?
No, Pune does not have two airports yet. A second airport near Purandar is in the planning stage, but it isn’t built or operational as of now.
What is the real name of Pune Airport?
Officially, it’s Pune International Airport. A rename to Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Pune International Airport has been approved by the state but is still waiting on central government sign-off.
Is Pune Airport operational?
Yes, the Pune airport is fully operational. It runs domestic and international flights every day, with a brand-new terminal that opened in 2024.
Which state has 21 airports?
Uttar Pradesh, has recently become the first Indian state to cross the 21-airport mark as of now.
Which is the second airport of Pune?
There isn’t any second airport in Pune right now. The upcoming Purandar Greenfield Airport is meant to be Pune’s second airport once it’s built.
Which is the 3rd biggest airport in India?
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, it’s the 3rd biggest by area and also the 3rd busiest by passenger traffic. It covers an area of approximately 4,000 acres of land.
For more such content related to Pune, check out Frequip Pune.