Nashik's Ozar Airport has witnessed a remarkable surge in air travel, recording a significant jump in passenger numbers for the first eleven months of 2025. The facility, managed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), has crossed a major milestone, handling over 3.5 lakh travellers between January and November.
Record-Breaking Numbers and Key Drivers
The airport reported a robust 26.7% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of flyers rose to 3.5 lakh, up from 2.8 lakh the previous year. This marks the first time the airport has crossed the three-and-a-half lakh passenger mark in a calendar year.
This impressive growth is largely attributed to enhanced connectivity and strategic upgrades by the operating private airline. A major factor was the introduction of larger, 232-seat aircraft on high-demand routes to Delhi and Bengaluru in March 2025, replacing the earlier 180-seater Airbus A320 flights. This deployment significantly boosted overall capacity and occupancy.
Expanded Operations and Consistent Demand
Operations at Nashik airport have expanded to include six daily flights. The schedule now features a second daily connection to the national capital, effectively doubling the frequency to Delhi. The airline currently connects Nashik to Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, with plans to soon launch a Nashik–Kolkata service.
Demand has remained consistently high throughout the year, with flight occupancy rates maintaining a strong average of over 90%. The introduction of the larger aircraft was a direct response to this sustained high demand on key routes.
Future Potential and Infrastructure Development
Industry leaders in Nashik are bullish about the airport's future. Ashish Nahar, President of the Nashik Industries & Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), highlighted the city's vast potential for air services due to its industrial, business, and tourism appeal.
Manish Rawal, Chairman of NIMA's aviation committee, elaborated on the factors driving this potential. "HAL, various central government projects, and other major multinational companies have their bases in Nashik," he said. "Apart from major religious sites, Nashik is known as the wine capital of the country and hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years."
In anticipation of future growth, especially for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2027, a major infrastructure project is underway. The state government is constructing a new terminal building adjacent to the existing one at a cost of Rs 450 crore. This new facility is designed to have a seating capacity for 1,000 passengers per hour, which will dramatically improve passenger handling capabilities and comfort.
The combined effect of strategic airline expansion, robust economic and tourism drivers, and forward-looking infrastructure development positions Nashik Airport for continued growth as a key aviation hub in Maharashtra's northern region.
