Pune: German carrier Lufthansa is open to the idea of resuming operations from the city in coordination with Indian carriers if conditions permit.“We are always open to expanding our network in India, whether through direct services or in partnership with Air India. Should market conditions evolve, our network planning team would evaluate opportunities for new international connections to an important IT hub and a city of more than seven million people. India is our second-largest premium market globally and we currently operate more than 80 weekly flights to the subcontinent,” Jeffery James, the head of Lufthansa Group Communications for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, told TOI.Lufthansa operated direct flights between Pune and Frankfurt six days a week earlier. Launched in 2008, a smaller aircraft wet-leased from PrivatAir connected the two cities. The service was discontinued in early 2019 after PrivatAir became insolvent, coupled with Pune airport’s infrastructure limitations, particularly its short runway.The proposed runway extension could change that. Minister of state for civil aviation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol had announced in 2024 that around 300 acres would be acquired for the airport’s overall expansion, including the runway extension. He told TOI on Wednesday that the process was now being fast-tracked.“Two weeks ago, I met the defence minister regarding the transfer of 35 acres that forms part of the total 300 acres required. By October or November, all aspects of the land acquisition for the airport expansion project should be on track. The acquisition has to be carried out by the state government and we are pursuing it aggressively,” Mohol said.The airport’s existing runway is 2,540 metres long. The proposed expansion aims to extend it by 800 metres — 500 metres on the eastern side and 300 metres on the western side — making it capable of handling larger aircraft. Pune airport recorded a record 213 flight movements on Sunday.Aviation experts said restoring direct connectivity to Europe was essential for Pune’s growth. “Pune is a major IT, automobile, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and education hub with significant business, student and diaspora traffic to Europe, the UK and the US. Travellers currently spend three to four hours reaching Mumbai or transit through Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Dubai, adding cost, fatigue and the risk of missed connections. The airport authorities and governments must expedite the runway expansion to enable wide-body operations, ensure round-the-clock ATC, customs and immigration facilities, and secure bilateral slots,” aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar told TOI.Businessman and member of the Pune airport advisory committee Sudhir Mehta said, “A direct air link to Europe and other major global destinations would benefit industry, academia, tourism, healthcare and the wider community alike. It would enhance Pune’s global competitiveness, attract investment and talent, and improve the quality of life for citizens who increasingly live, work and collaborate across borders.”
