Udaipur, October 23 (Udaipur Kiran) — In a setback for frequent travelers, the much-anticipated direct flight between Udaipur and Pune will not commence this winter season as planned. The flight, allotted to IndiGo Airlines under the Winter Schedule 2025–26, was scheduled to start operations from October 26, but has now been cancelled at the last moment, disappointing local passengers, traders, and students.
According to the earlier proposed schedule, the Pune–Udaipur flight was to arrive at 5:20 PM, and the Udaipur–Pune flight was to depart at 6:00 PM, covering the journey in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes — a significant time-saving alternative to existing connecting flights, which take 6 to 8 hours.
Direct Flight Dropped from 29-Flight Winter Plan
The Maharana Pratap Airport in Dabok, Udaipur, was expected to handle 28–29 flights during the upcoming winter schedule, operational from October 26, 2025, to March 28, 2026.
The plan included daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore, and Pune — with 11 flights to Mumbai, 9 to Delhi, 3 to Jaipur, and one each to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Indore, and Pune. IndiGo had been allotted the Udaipur–Pune sector as part of this expansion.
Operational Challenges Behind the Delay
Airport officials and IndiGo sources confirmed that the cancellation was due to operational challenges and lower-than-expected advance demand on the route. The Pune connection was being seen as a long-awaited relief for Udaipur residents, especially for business professionals, students, and frequent travelers.
The sudden cancellation has once again raised questions about the air connectivity of Udaipur, despite growing air traffic and tourism potential.
Pune Route Seen as Crucial for Udaipur Region
For the Mewar region, Pune holds significant importance as a hub for IT, education, automobile, and manufacturing industries. Hundreds of students from southern Rajasthan study engineering, medicine, and management in Pune. Likewise, the city serves as a key business link for traders from Udaipur.
Additionally, a large number of tourists from Pune visit Udaipur every year, drawn by its lakes, palaces, and cultural heritage. The absence of a direct flight means travelers must continue to rely on connecting routes via Mumbai or Delhi, extending their journey time and expenses.
The Udaipur–Pune flight has been a long-standing public demand, and its cancellation has sparked fresh appeals from local residents and business associations for improved regional air connectivity.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
