Surat International Airport is in Magdalla, Gujarat. It’s a major hub for travel developments in the area. As the second busiest airport in Gujarat, it’s ready to start international flights after a big upgrade.
The airport spans 770 acres and includes a passenger terminal and a cargo facility. These have been running since its opening on February 27, 2009. The Indian Government made it an international airport on February 1, 2024. This move aims to improve connections and boost Surat’s economy. It has caused a buzz among travelers and airlines, making news about Surat Airport very popular.
There are plans to enhance the airport’s capacity. Many are keen to know when it will be fully operational for international flights. It will handle more passengers and boost business. The updates on Surat International Airport’s growth are part of a larger plan. This plan will increase regional access and offer new opportunities for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Surat International Airport covers an area of 770 acres.
- The airport is expected to handle 1,800 passengers during peak hours after expansion.
- The cargo facility can handle over 1,000 metric tonnes of cargo monthly.
- The expanded terminal building is forecasted to manage 3.5 million passengers annually.
- The airport’s international operations began with the government declaration on February 1, 2024.
- Investment in expansion projects amounts to INR 350 crore.
- LED lighting and sustainable practices are key features of the airport’s upgrade.
Surat Airport Overview
Surat Airport is a key air travel hub in South Gujarat. It keeps improving to meet the needs of local and international travelers. The airport started in the early 1970s and has seen many upgrades since then. The recent changes aim to handle more passengers and offer better services.
Key Facts About Surat International Airport
- Inaugurated new terminal: 2009.
- Licensed for public use: 2011.
- Current annual passenger traffic: Approximately 1.38 million.
- Major renovation start: 2015.
- Gained international status: December 25, 2023.
Airport Capacity and Facilities
The airport has a single terminal that spans about 8,500 square meters. It can serve up to 1,800 people during busy hours. Here are some of the major facilities:
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Check-in Counters | 20 |
| Aerobridges | 5 |
| Parking Capacity | 475 cars |
| Duty-Free Shopping | Available for international travelers |
| Customs and Immigration Facilities | Located within the terminal |
New plans aim to expand the airport further. They want to increase the peak time capacity to 3,000 passengers. This shows the airport’s dedication to improving the travel experience and efficiency.
Government Announcement: Surat Airport as International Airport
Surat Airport has recently been announced as an international airport. This major update is set to boost the local economy, especially for the textile and diamond sectors. With its new status, the airport will support more international flights, increasing connections and trading possibilities.
Date of Declaration and Inauguration Details
The Union Government made it official on February 1, 2024, that Surat Airport is now international. This decision followed the Cabinet’s nod on December 15, 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the new terminal on December 17, 2023. It was a landmark event in Surat’s aviation history. The development cost ₹353 crore and improved the terminal. Now, it can handle 1,800 passengers – 1,200 on domestic flights and 600 on international ones.
Significance of International Status
Being recognized as an international airport is big news for Surat. It means better services for passengers and cargo. It highlights Surat’s role in global trade. In the year 2023-2024, the airport witnessed a significant 11.4% increase in passenger traffic. A total of 1,380,752 passengers used the airport. Cargo handling went up by 19%, reaching 5,930 tons. These upgrades help handle more international flights. This boosts the economy and draws in more investment.
When Will Surat Have International Airport
Everyone is talking about Surat Airport becoming international. This will help connect this area more with the world. The local leaders are sharing their plans and timelines.
Timeline for International Flight Operations
Surat Airport will start international flights in February 2024. This big step will meet the growing need for flights and boost the area’s economy. The latest news says the airport will be able to handle more travelers.
Upcoming Destinations and Airlines
Air India Express will now fly directly from Surat to places like Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore. These flights will happen three times a week. This is great for travelers looking for easier ways to get around the world. It matches the city’s big dreams.
| Destination | Airlines | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Air India Express | 3 times a week |
| Malaysia | Air India Express | 3 times a week via Mumbai |
| Singapore | Air India Express | 3 times a week via Mumbai |
The Surat Airport project is all about better flights and services for travelers. The goal is to offer what people need.
Current Expansion Projects at Surat Airport
The growth at Surat Airport shows how it’s moving forward. The project is all about making the airport bigger and better for travelers. It aims to lift Surat’s air travel game. With a hefty budget and new designs, the expansion shows dedication to serving more passengers.
Details of Terminal Expansion Plans
The terminal will grow to cover 25,520 square meters. This big change will allow Surat Airport to handle up to 1,800 passengers an hour. That means about 2.6 million people can fly annually. The makeover includes:
- 20 check-in counters and 26 immigration counters
- Five aerobridges for easy boarding
- An advanced baggage system with belts
- Space for 475 cars
- Room for 600 international and 1,200 domestic flyers at once
Investment and Facilities Upgrades
About INR 353 crores (\$42.5 million) will be spent for the airport to grow. This money isn’t just for making the terminal bigger. It’s also for making the airport better overall. Improvements will include:
- A bigger apron and a new taxi path
- Better cargo services started in January 2020
- Upgrades to technology and comforts for travellers
Connectivity and Accessibility to Surat Airport
Surat Airport is a key hub, about 12 kilometers away from the city center. It is easy for passengers to get to the airport by different means. This makes trips more efficient. As the airport grows, more ways to get there will be available.
Transportation Options from Surat City
You have many ways to reach Surat Airport. Here are the options:
- Taxis and cab services: Good for a straight ride there.
- Public transport: Many buses go to the airport.
- Car rentals: Best for those who want to drive themselves.
Updates to the airport will make it even easier to get there.
Proximity to Major Highways and Railway Stations
The airport is near big highways. Important ones include:
- State Highway 168
- National Highway 6
This makes it simple for travelers from afar. The closest railway station is 17 kilometers away. Being near these routes shows the airport’s role in connecting flights. This is seen when comparing Surat to other cities.
| Transportation Method | Distance to Airport | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis/Cabs | 12 km | 20-30 mins |
| Public Transport | Varies (Bus Stop: 1 km) | 30-45 mins |
| Car Rentals | 12 km | 20-30 mins |
| Railway Station | 17 km | 30-40 mins |
Ongoing expansion makes Surat Airport even more important for air travel. It’s vital for both locals and visitors.
Impact of Surat Airport on Local Economy
Surat International Airport’s growth will greatly help the local economy. Its upgrade is based on big investments aimed at boosting trade. This is especially true for the textile and diamond sectors that are crucial here. More flights mean better access to global markets which will benefit local companies. Also, the airport’s growth is expected to spark a boom in real estate. This happens as demand for places to live and work goes up.
Enhancing Trade for Textiles and Diamond Industries
Surat shines as India’s hub for diamonds and textiles. Thanks to international flights from Surat Airport, local businesses can now send goods more effectively across the world. This airport is key to:
- Making fast deliveries for the diamond trade. This keeps Surat ahead globally.
- Helping textile makers ship goods to countries needing quick air delivery.
- Drawing foreign investments with improved logistics and trade options.
Real Estate Development Opportunities
Turning Surat Airport international promises big changes in real estate. Property values are set to climb because of:
- A rise in housing demand. This is due to professionals and companies moving in.
- New commercial spaces opening for the expanding workforce and businesses related to the airport.
- Better infrastructure overall, making the area more appealing to investors.
The latest on Surat Airport is causing excitement among the city’s stakeholders. They see the airport as a key player in driving economic growth and expanding trade chances. Its effects will touch various industries, raising Surat’s profile both in Gujarat and globally.
| Indicator | Before Expansion | After Expansion |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Passenger Capacity | Approx. 18 lakh | 55 lakh |
| Peak Hour Capacity | 1,800 passengers | 3,000 passengers |
| Cargo Operations | Limited to local needs | Enhanced for international trade |
| Domestic Connections | 14 cities | 14 cities + 3 international |
Future Prospects for Surat International Airport
The surat airport expansion timeline shows a clear plan for better global reach and updates in the facility. It’s set to spend Rs 353 crores for the work. This effort is to support the expected rise in travelers. Between 2016 and 2019, passenger numbers shot up by about 600%. After the work is done, Surat Airport will handle 3.5 million people a year. They aim to serve 5.5 million when more surat airport international flights get added.
The upgrade also includes making more parking spots, going from five to 23. Plus, adding a new taxi track will make things run smoother. Since international flyers have outnumbered the local ones, these upgrades are much needed. Surat also needs a focused international cargo space due to its key role in textiles and diamonds.
Sustainability is also key in these updates. With measures like rainwater catchment, reusing water, and using LED lights, Surat Airport is setting an example. These steps ensure it meets traveler needs while being eco-friendly. As these changes happen, Surat International Airport will rise as a major economic door in Gujarat. It will help both the local area and the wider world.
