Pune-Bagdogra Direct Flights to Take Off from May 1: Air India Express Announces New Schedule
PUNE – In a major boost to summer travel and regional connectivity, Air India Express has announced the commencement of direct flight services between Pune and Bagdogra starting May 1, 2026. This move comes as part of a significant expansion at Pune Airport, following the approval of 15 additional flight slots by the Indian Air Force.
Direct Connectivity to the Eastern Himalayas
For years, travelers from Pune heading to the Northeast had to endure grueling layovers in hubs like Kolkata or Delhi. The new Pune Bagdogra direct flight will operate five times a week, drastically reducing travel time.
Bagdogra, located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, serves as the primary gateway to popular tourist destinations including Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong. Industry experts suggest this route will see high demand from Pune’s massive student population and IT professionals looking for summer retreats.
Air India Express Summer Schedule 2026
The airline has integrated this route into its revamped summer schedule. According to the latest notification:
- Frequency: 5 days a week.
- Departure (Pune): 1:15 PM.
- Arrival (Pune): 12:25 PM (Inbound).
- Booking: Reservations are already open on the Air India Express website and mobile app.
The airline is positioning itself as a dominant player in the Pune market, offering competitive Pune Bagdogra airfare starting from ₹6,899 for early bookings.
Pune Airport Expansion: 15 New Slots Approved
The launch of the Bagdogra service is part of a broader “New Flight” wave at Pune Airport. The IAF has recently sanctioned an increase in the airport’s capacity, taking the daily slot count from 220 to 235.
Beyond Bagdogra, Pune is set to receive improved connectivity to:
- Tirupati & Mangaluru: New services starting May.
- Varanasi: Daily flights by Akasa Air.
- Patna: Three-times-weekly service by IndiGo starting May 2.
What This Means for Travelers
Aviation analyst Dhairyashil Vandekar noted that the increase in slots and direct routes is a “welcome development” for a city that has long struggled with infrastructure constraints. The direct link to Bagdogra specifically addresses a long-standing demand from the tourism sector in Western India.
As the summer vacation season kicks in, the Pune to Bagdogra flight schedule is expected to remain “heavily booked,” prompting travel agents to advise passengers to secure tickets at least 15 days in advance to avoid the seasonal price surge.
