Surat Airport, with its IATA code STV and ICAO code VASU, started its journey in the early 1970s. It was built by the Government of Gujarat to connect Surat and the South Gujarat area better. Opening its doors in 1970, it made travel easier in this region. Soon after, it grew from a small start to an international airport in December 2023. Located about 12 km from Surat’s center in Magdalla, it covers 770 acres. Through the years, it has seen remarkable growth. Modern improvements and more passengers have made it crucial for locals and visitors worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Surat Airport was established by the Gujarat government in the early 1970s.
- The airport opened its doors to the public in 1970, enhancing local connectivity.
- Surat Airport became an international airport in December 2023.
- Current passenger statistics show increasing traffic and operational efficiency.
- Modernization efforts since the 2000s have greatly improved the airport’s capabilities.
- The airport now has facilities to handle international passengers, including cargo operations.
Introduction to Surat Airport
Surat Airport plays a vital role in connecting Southern Gujarat, which is home to about 12 million people. It’s on Magdalla-Dumas Road, serving over 6 million people in its metro area. Since the 1970s, its importance in aviation has grown. Airlines like SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India offer flights from here to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
The airport’s location near Dumas Beach makes it convenient for tourists and business visitors. It started with charter and VVIP flights but now includes cargo operations for goods like textiles and diamonds. It spans 770 acres and has a terminal with 20 check-in counters, food, and shopping outlets. These facilities handle over 240 passengers every hour efficiently.
In 2018, the airport was recognized as international, showing its growth. With infrastructure improvements, they’re expanding the terminal to 25,520 square meters. This upgrade will meet the increased demand for air travel. A new cargo terminal opened in 2020, managing over 1,000 metric tonnes of cargo monthly.
The airport is dedicated to the community and showcases Gujarat’s culture. As Surat Airport grows, it becomes a key entry point for business and travel in Southern Gujarat.
When Was Surat Airport Built?
Surat Airport has a rich history, starting in the early 1970s. It was built to meet the transport needs of the region. Its goal was to improve connections, as shown in the Surat Airport construction timeline.
Overview of Construction Timeline
The year Surat Airport was established was a turning point for local and regional flights. The grand opening was on May 6, 2007. This was due to the rising need for an airport in the area.
With 312 hectares of land and an 8,500-square-meter terminal opened in February 2009, the airport was a big deal. It can serve over 240 passengers per hour, which greatly boosts commercial flights.
Factors Influencing the Airport’s Establishment
Many reasons led to building Surat Airport. The booming textile business and trade in Surat called for better air services. Also, the government saw that South Gujarat’s tourism was growing. This made it clear an airport was needed for local and international trips. These reasons combined to make a strong case for the airport’s development.
Early Years and Initial Operations of Surat Airport
The early years of Surat Airport were filled with growth and evolution. It was a time when the first airlines started to operate, marking important milestones. During the 1970s, the airport began to make its mark in India’s aviation sector.
First Airlines and Flight Services
Surat Airport’s beginnings were humble, with Safari Airways leading the charge. They used Douglas DC-3 planes to connect Surat to major cities. This was crucial for passengers. After Safari Airways, Vayudoot and Gujarat Airways came along. They provided services until the late 1990s. However, the airport faced early challenges, such as infrastructure issues, which affected these airlines.
Significant Events in the 1970s
The 1970s were a pivotal time for Surat Airport. There was a soaring demand for air travel, sparking talks of expansion. These discussions highlighted the airport’s limitations. Overcoming these challenges was essential for its growth, leading to plans for major upgrades.
| Year | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | Safari Airways Launch | First airline providing scheduled flights at Surat Airport. |
| 1970s | Increased Demand | Significant rise in passenger travel prompting facility expansion discussions. |
| Late 1970s | Operational Challenges | Infrastructure limitations hindered expansion of surat airport flight services. |
The Transformation of Surat Airport in the 2000s
During the 2000s, Surat Airport underwent major changes. The Airports Authority of India took charge of its modernization. This was to support a growing aviation market and improve the passenger experience. Upgrades in facilities and services made Surat Airport a priority.
Modernization Efforts by Airports Authority of India
The era saw significant upgrades at Surat Airport. Its runway was extended from 1,400 meters to 2,250 meters. This change allowed bigger planes to land and take off. The airport got better terminals and navigation systems as part of the improvements.
Challenge of Infrastructure and Initial Flight Services
Despite these improvements, challenges emerged as more passengers used the airport. Early flight services faced hurdles like safety issues and operational limits. Air Deccan, for example, struggled to start its services in the mid-2000s. These problems showed the importance of improving infrastructure and service continually.
Runway Extensions and Technical Improvements
Between 2007 and 2018, Surat Airport saw big changes to its runway. It focused on making the runway longer and better. This was to keep up with more people wanting to fly. Initially, the runway went from 1,525 meters to 2,250 meters long. This allowed larger planes like the Airbus A320 and A321 to land. By 2017, they made it even longer, reaching 2,905 meters. This helped the airport handle more flights and gave passengers a smoother experience. These changes were key in bringing more travelers through the airport and improving its connections.
After a close call with wildlife in 2014, safety became a top priority. A SpiceJet plane had a scary moment with an animal on the runway. The Airports Authority of India stepped up to make things safer. They improved how they manage wildlife, checked the runway more carefully, and trained their staff better. These steps were all about keeping everyone safe, whether flying or shipping goods.
The efforts to upgrade Surat Airport have been about more than just making things work better. They also show how important safety and a good travel experience are. By improving the runway and putting strict safety measures in place, Surat Airport aims to be a top choice for travelers. It wants to serve the growing number of people flying in and out, doing so safely and efficiently.
