NMIA vs Pune Airport vs Mumbai Airport: The Complete Guide for Pune Residents
Strategic decision framework: Choose the right airport for every trip
Pune residents now have THREE airport options. Each has distinct advantages. This comprehensive guide helps you choose the right one for every journey.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | NMIA | Pune Airport | Mumbai Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Pune | 100-140 km | 10-35 km | 140-165 km |
| Travel Time | 2.5-3 hours | 30-60 min | 3-3.5 hours |
| Cab Fare | ₹2,300 | ₹400-1,200 | ₹2,600-5,500 |
| Daily Flights | 15+ (growing) | 50+ | 900+ |
| Bengaluru Direct | 7 daily | 0 direct | 20+ daily |
| Delhi Direct | 3 daily | 2-3 daily | 15+ daily |
| International | Coming 2026 | Dubai, Sharjah | 100+ destinations |
| Terminal Age | Brand new (Dec 2025) | Established | Mixed (old + new) |
| Crowding | Least crowded | Moderate | Very crowded |
Detailed Airport Profiles
1. Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA)
NMIA Quick Facts
- Opened: December 25, 2025
- Official name: Navi Mumbai International Airport
- Location: Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra
- From Pune: 100-140 km depending on Pune locality
- Cab time: 2.5-3 hours via Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Best for Pune residents: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi travel
Strengths:
- BEST FOR BENGALURU- 7 daily direct flights vs 0 from Pune Airport
- Brand new terminal with modern facilities
- Less crowded, faster security and check-in
- Growing route network focused on major cities
- Closer to West Pune (Hinjewadi 100 km vs Pune Airport 35 km)
Weaknesses:
- Longer cab ride (2.5-3 hours vs 30-60 min to Pune Airport)
- Higher cab cost (₹2,300 vs ₹400-1,200)
- Limited routes currently (expanding in 2026)
- No international flights yet (coming Q2 2026)
2. Pune Airport (Lohegaon Airport)
Pune Airport Quick Facts
- Official name: Pune Airport (Lohegaon)
- Location: Lohegaon, Pune
- From Central Pune: 10-15 km
- Cab time: 30-60 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Best for: Mumbai flights, Dubai/Sharjah, quick domestic hops
Strengths:
- CLOSEST OPTION- Just 10-35 km from most Pune areas
- Lowest cab cost (₹400-1,200 depending on locality)
- Fastest to reach (30-60 minutes)
- Multiple daily Mumbai flights
- Direct Dubai and Sharjah international flights
- Familiar and established airport
Weaknesses:
- NO direct Bengaluru flights (major limitation for IT professionals)
- Limited destinations compared to Mumbai Airport
- Fewer flight frequencies to major cities
- International routes very limited (only Gulf)
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai Airport)
Mumbai Airport Quick Facts
- Official name: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- From Pune: 140-165 km depending on Pune locality
- Cab time: 3-3.5 hours via Mumbai-Pune Expressway
- Best for: International flights, maximum domestic options
Strengths:
- MAXIMUM OPTIONS- 900+ daily flights to everywhere
- 100+ international destinations
- Most flight frequencies to all major cities
- All airlines operate from here
- 24/7 operations
Weaknesses:
- Longest distance (140-165 km from Pune)
- Highest cab cost (₹2,600-5,500)
- Most crowded airport in India
- Long security and immigration queues
- Often 3-4 hour check-in recommendation for international
Decision Framework: Which Airport to Choose
By Destination: The Clear Winners
Choose NMIA For:
- • Bengaluru (7 direct vs 0 from Pune)
- • Hyderabad (better options)
- • Kochi (direct available)
- • Delhi (if NMIA timing suits better)
Choose Pune Airport For:
- • Mumbai (multiple daily, closest)
- • Dubai/Sharjah (direct international)
- • Goa (seasonal direct)
- • Quick domestic hops
Choose Mumbai Airport For:
- • International long-haul (US, Europe, etc.)
- • Southeast Asia (Singapore, Bangkok)
- • When NMIA/Pune don't have routes
- • Maximum flight timing flexibility needed
Either NMIA or Mumbai Airport:
- • Delhi (both have good options)
- • Kolkata (compare timings/prices)
- • Ahmedabad (available from both)
By Traveler Profile
IT Professionals (Weekly Bengaluru Commuters)
Best choice: NMIA
Why: 7 daily direct Bengaluru flights save 2-3 hours per trip vs connecting through Mumbai/Hyderabad from Pune Airport. Over 50 trips/year, that's 100-150 hours saved annually.
Business Travelers (Domestic)
Best choice: Depends on destination
Strategy: NMIA for Bengaluru/Hyderabad. Pune Airport for Mumbai. Mumbai Airport for maximum options/frequencies to Delhi/Kolkata.
International Travelers
Best choice: Mumbai Airport (currently)
Why: 100+ international destinations. NMIA international flights start Q2 2026. Pune Airport only has Gulf routes.
Budget-Conscious Travelers
Best choice: Pune Airport
Why: Lowest total cost (cab + flight). For destinations available from Pune Airport, this is most economical.
Time-Sensitive Travelers
Best choice: Pune Airport for quick access, NMIA for direct flights
Strategy: If you need to minimize door-to-airport time, choose Pune Airport. If you need to minimize door-to-destination time (no layovers), choose NMIA for applicable routes.
By Pune Locality
| Your Pune Area | To NMIA | To Pune Airport | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinjewadi | 100 km (2h) | 35 km (1h) | NMIA for BLR/HYD |
| Wakad/Baner | 105-115 km | 25 km | NMIA for BLR/HYD |
| Aundh | 110 km | 18 km | Pune for most, NMIA for BLR |
| Kharadi | 130 km | 15 km | NMIA for BLR, Pune for others |
| Magarpatta | 125 km | 12 km | NMIA for BLR, Pune for others |
| Viman Nagar | 140 km | 2 km | Pune for all except BLR |
| PCMC/Nigdi | 105 km | 30 km | NMIA for BLR/HYD |
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Real Examples
Example 1: Hinjewadi to Bengaluru Trip
Via NMIA
Cab: ₹2,300
Flight: ₹4,500 (direct)
Total: ₹8,200
Time: 4 hours
WINNER
Via Pune Airport
Cab: ₹1,200
Flights: ₹10,000 (connect)
Total: ₹11,200
Time: 6 hours
Via Mumbai Airport
Cab: ₹4,800
Flight: ₹2,900 (direct)
Total: ₹9,800
Time: 4.5 hours
NMIA saves ₹1,600-3,000 and is fastest option
Example 2: Magarpatta to Dubai Trip
Via Pune Airport
Cab: ₹500
Flight: ₹15,000 (direct)
Total: ₹15,500
Time: 4.5 hours
WINNER
Via Mumbai Airport
Cab: ₹2,900
Flight: ₹14,000 (direct)
Total: ₹19,000
Time: 6.5 hours
Via NMIA
Not available yet
(Coming Q2 2026)
Pune Airport is clear winner for Dubai/Gulf routes
The Smart Multi-Airport Strategy
Don't lock yourself into one airport. The smartest Pune travelers use all three strategically:
The 3-Airport Strategy:
- 1. Check your destination first
- • Bengaluru? → NMIA (7 direct flights)
- • Mumbai? → Pune Airport (multiple daily)
- • International? → Check Pune for Gulf, Mumbai for others
- 2. Consider your Pune location
- • West Pune (Hinjewadi, Wakad)? → NMIA is relatively closer
- • East Pune (Viman Nagar, Kharadi)? → Pune Airport is very close
- 3. Factor in total cost and time
- • Don't just look at cab fare, include flight cost
- • Include layover time in total journey time
- • Value your time (connecting flights = 2-3 extra hours)
Future Outlook (2026-2027)
NMIA Expansion Plans:
- Q1 2026: More Bengaluru frequencies (up to 10 daily)
- Q2 2026: International routes begin (Middle East, Southeast Asia)
- Q3-Q4 2026: More domestic routes (Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad expansion)
- 2027: Potential Europe/US routes
Implications for Pune Travelers:
- NMIA will become more attractive as routes expand
- International travelers may shift from Mumbai to NMIA
- Pune Airport will likely focus on regional connectivity
- Having three options = maximum flexibility
How to Book Cabs to Each Airport
To NMIA
Fare: ₹2,300 flat
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Book: +91-7498264215
Vehicle: Electric SUV
To Pune Airport
Fare: ₹400-1,200
Time: 30-60 min
Book: Ola/Uber/Local
Vehicle: Sedan/SUV
To Mumbai Airport
Fare: ₹2,600-5,500
Time: 3-3.5 hours
Book: Pre-book recommended
Vehicle: Various options
Need NMIA Cab from Pune? ₹2,300 Flat Rate
Perfect for Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi flights | All Pune localities covered | Electric SUV