Surat Airport sits in Magdalla, Gujarat, and is crucial for the city of Surat. It’s a key spot for both flights and cargo due to growing traffic. Knowing who runs Surat Airport helps us see its role in the economy. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) owns and manages it, showing its importance since 2003. This part will look at who owns Surat Airport. We will see how it fits in India’s aviation and boosts the area’s connectivity.
Key Takeaways
- Surat Airport is publicly owned and operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
- Managed by AAI since 2003, focusing on significant infrastructure development.
- Served 1,380,752 passengers from April 2023 to March 2024.
- The runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft in 2017.
- New terminal building inaugurated in 2023, increasing passenger capacity.
Understanding Surat Airport’s Ownership
Surat Airport is managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). AAI is a key body, set up by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Its job is to look after civil aviation infrastructure in India. This setup helps Surat Airport run smoothly and grow to meet changing travel needs.
The surat airport authority has a big job. It makes sure the airport runs well for both domestic and international flights. Since 2018, Surat Airport has been an international one. It’s served by airlines like SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India. These airlines link Surat with big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
With its only terminal, Surat Airport manages all flights. It offers vital passenger services. These include check-in, customs, baggage services, and lounges for relaxation. The airport also welcomes flights from abroad. Destinations include Dubai, Muscat, and Sharjah.
Surat Airport is planning to grow bigger and better. A new terminal will help it serve more passengers, up to 55 lakh yearly. This expansion shows the airport’s dedication to improving and meeting increasing demand.
Who Owns Surat Airport?
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) owns Surat Airport. This agency makes sure the airport stays updated and serves passengers well. Since 2003, when AAI took over, Surat Airport has greatly improved. There have been big upgrades to terminals and runways to meet passenger needs.
Airports Authority of India as Owner
Surat Airport is managed by the AAI. It focuses on civil aviation growth and upkeep in India. The AAI plays a big role in managing many important tasks. These tasks include making sure the airport is safe and well-run. Thanks to the airport, Surat’s 6 million residents can travel easily, both within India and abroad.
Key Responsibilities of the AAI
The AAI has many duties at Surat Airport. Responsibilities include:
- Regulation and oversight of airport safety standards.
- Coordination with airlines for effective passenger scheduling.
- Management of passenger traffic for optimized flow and service.
- Maintenance of airport infrastructure to meet evolving demands.
- Implementation of development projects aimed at expansion and modernization.
After renovation, Surat Airport saw a big increase in passengers. The AAI’s work is crucial in this growth. Its commitment helps Surat Airport serve as a key travel center, meeting the area’s growing needs.
Surat Airport Management and Operations
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) handles the operations of Surat Airport. They aim to keep service and safety levels high for everyone. The airport doesn’t work all day and night, but the team works hard to make things better. They do this as more people and goods move through the airport.
Surat Airport has been improved to meet rising demands. The terminal now is bigger, covering 25,520 square meters. It can hold 1,800 people at busy times. With 20 check-in counters, five aerobridges, and space for 475 vehicles, it’s a big step up.
Surat airport wants to operate 24/7 but faces some challenges. These include having enough staff, ensuring security, and upgrading the airport itself. This is especially important for the diamond and textile businesses in the area.
Effective teamwork is essential for these changes to happen. Longer hours are crucial for better regional links and economic growth. The airport’s recent upgrade to a four-star rating highlights its commitment to being green and sustainable.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 784 acres |
| Terminal Size | 25,520 m² |
| Peak Hour Capacity | 1,800 passengers |
| Annual Capacity | 3.5 million (target: 5.5 million) |
| Check-in Counters | 20 |
| Aerobridges | 5 |
| Parking Capacity | 475 cars |
| New Taxi Track | 2,905 m x 30 m |
| Investment in Expansion | Rs 3.53 billion ($42.5 million) |
Historical Background of Surat Airport
Surat Airport’s story started in the early 2000s. It officially opened in 2007, marking a vital development for the area. At first, it handled a few domestic flights. Over time, it became crucial for Surat’s connectivity. The airport saw many upgrades, improving flights and services for passengers.
The Evolution of Surat Airport
Since starting, Surat Airport has changed a lot. Its big moment came with a new terminal in February 2009. This terminal helped handle more travelers. Air India began flying here in May 2007, and was alone until 2012. Then SpiceJet started, giving people more flight options.
Significant Milestones in Airport Development
The airport’s growth hit several key milestones. Upgrades made more flights possible and prepared it for international flights by 2018. After SpiceJet came back in 2017, passenger numbers soared. By December 2023, it gained full international status. This made Surat Airport essential for travel, both regional and beyond.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Surat Airport established and initial operations begin. |
| 2009 | New terminal inaugurated, enhancing passenger capacity. |
| 2012 | International flights launched by Air India to Frankfurt and Toronto. |
| 2017 | SpiceJet relaunches services, significantly increasing passenger traffic. |
| 2018 | Airport prepared for limited international operations. |
| 2023 | Full-fledged international airport status granted, capacity over three million passengers annually. |
Recent Developments and Future Plans
Surat Airport has seen major changes recently. It started a new chapter in how it operates and can serve more people. The updates started in 2019 and cost ₹353 crore. In December 2023, a new terminal was finished. This made it possible for the airport to serve more travelers than before.
The new terminal is big, covering 25,520 square meters. It can handle 1,800 passengers at peak times. This includes 1,200 domestic and 600 international passengers. These improvements make the airport work better. They also help Surat grow as a place for business.
Features of the expanded terminal are designed with convenience and accessibility in mind:
- 20 check-in counters
- 5 aerobridges
- Parking for 475 cars
- 26 immigration counters
- State-of-the-art facilities including LED lighting for energy conservation
The airport is in Surat and the Airports Authority of India runs it. The bigger airport will help the textile and diamond industries. It will make it easier to fly internationally. This includes flights to major cities like Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata.
Surat Airport does more than just move passengers. It opened a cargo terminal in January 2020 for over 1,000 metric tonnes of goods a month. In 2024, direct flights to Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore will start. This will make it easier to connect to these places.
The airport plans to grow, aiming to serve up to 5.5 million passengers a year. The new features and the airport’s focus on the environment show it can meet the need for more travel. This includes collecting rainwater and recycling.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal Area | 25,520 m² (expansion from 8,500 m²) |
| Passenger Handling (Peak) | 1,800 (1,200 domestic, 600 international) |
| Annual Capacity | 3.5 million (expandable to 5.5 million) |
| Runway Length | 3,810 meters |
| Check-In Counters | 20 |
| Aerobridges | 5 |
| Parking Capacity | 475 cars |
Surat Airport’s updates show its dedication to better service and facilities. It is becoming important for the area’s economy.
Surat Airport’s Role in Regional Economy
Surat Airport is key to the local economy. It’s crucial for businesses, especially in diamonds and textiles. Being the ‘Diamond City of the World,’ Surat handles 90% of the world’s diamond work.
The airport helps move these valuable items quickly. It also makes it easier for the textile sector to connect. This shows how important the airport is for Surat’s economy.
There are big plans to make Surat Airport bigger. The goal is to grow its size from 8,500 square meters to 25,520 square meters. This will let the airport serve up to 1,800 passengers during busy times.
This growth means more travelers can visit Gujarat. Local companies will reach new markets easier. This should boost exports and attract more tourists to the area.
The airport also focuses on moving goods. A new cargo terminal opened in January 2020. It saw a 19% jump in cargo movement. There’s a plan for an international cargo area too.
This move will make Surat a key logistics center. It’s part of the Smart Cities Mission, which aims to grow the economy through better infrastructure.
