Passenger footfall at airport in Nashik rises 24% in 2025-26

Nashik: Improved air connectivity, deployment of higher-capacity aircraft on key routes and consistently high occupancy levels have led to a 24% rise in passenger traffic at Nashik airport during the financial year 2025-26 compared to the previous year.According to airport data, the Nashik airport handled 4.23 lakh passengers in FY 2025-26, up from 3.41 lakh passengers recorded in 2024-25 fiscal. This is the first time the airport has crossed the 4 lakh passenger mark in any financial year, indicating steady growth in demand for air travel from the city.In 2023-24, the Nashik airport handled 2.42 lakh passengers while the number in 2022-23 was 1.07 lakh passengers. Currently, managed by defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the airport is handling five daily flights connecting Nashik to Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.All services are operated by a private airline, which is also planning to introduce additional routes, including Nashik–Kolkata, in the near future.A major factor contributing to the rise in passenger traffic has been the introduction of larger 232-seater aircraft on the high-demand Delhi and Bengaluru routes earlier this financial year (2025-26).Previously, the airline operated 180-seater Airbus A320 aircraft on these sectors. The increased seating capacity, coupled with an average occupancy of over 90%, significantly boosted overall passenger numbers. Sources said deployment of larger aircraft also led to a noticeable spike in traffic during the last financial year 2025-26.Industry representatives said the growth highlights Nashik's potential as an emerging aviation hub. Ashish Nahar, president of Nashik Industries and Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), said the city's strong industrial base, business activity and tourism appeal are key drivers of air travel demand.Echoing similar views, Manish Rawal, chairman of NIMA's aviation committee, said Nashik has a unique mix of drivers, including the presence of HAL, central govt establishments and multinational companies. "The city's prominence as a religious destination, along with its identity as the wine capital of India, further strengthens its appeal," he said.