50 passengers take first Pune-Belgaum RCS flight

PUNE: A week ago in Saudi Arabia, Vinita Koshti told her son Varun Koshti to book tickets from Pune to Belgaum. They used to travel by taxi or bus. When Varun started searching for tickets he found a direct Air India flight from Pune to Belgaum, which started on Wednesday. He booked two tickets. 

“We used to travel from Pune to Belgaum by taxi or bus. We were surprised to learn that Air India has started a new service. This will reduce our six-seven hour journey to an hour and 20 minutes,” Vinita Koshti (44) told Sakal Times.

“We came from Saudi to Mumbai on Tuesday and to Pune in the night. Today we are going to Belgaum. It is better than travelling by bus or taxi,” said Varun (18).

The first flight between Pune and Belgaum under the Ministry of Civil Aviation Regional Connectivity ‘UDAN’ scheme took off on Wednesday at 5.45 pm with 50 passengers.

“The Pune airport is connected with Belgaum. The service has been provided by Air India. We are hopeful that the flight will be full every day, as it will reduce the time,” said Pune Airport Director Ajay Kumar.

Air India Station Manager Suhas Jadhav said, “The first flight is almost full as expected. The fliers can enjoy the service of Air India.”