Growing businesses may land Rajkot a greenfield airport

Surat to get new international airport, direct flight to Dubai

Even as Vadodara is getting new integrated terminal, Surat and Rajkot may soon get a new international airport and greenfield airport, respectively. Led by Airport Authority of India (AAI) chairman Sudhir Raheja, several AAI officials on Wednesday met Saurabh Patel, minister of finance, energy, tourism and civil aviation, Government of Gujarat in this regard.

According to an official communique from the minister’s office, the AAI officials met and discussed various issues regarding the civil aviation sector of Gujarat including more flights from cities like Rajkot, Surat and Bhuj to Delhi.

“Efforts to be made for an international airport at Surat. Ahmedabad-London and Surat-Dubai flights to be started in near future while discussions also took place on international maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) depots in Ahmedabad and Dholera,” the communique stated.

While an international airport at the diamond city of Surat is being demanded given the growing diamond business especially between Surat and Dubai along with the upcoming Surat Hira Bourse, a new greenfield airport has also been proposed at Rajkot.

According to AAI sources, demand has also been made for land for the new greenfield airport at Rajkot which currently functions from the city aerodrome.

“With the city growing rapidly, thanks various ancillary units, there is a dire need of a new airport and more number of flights at Rajkot.  Discussions are on with the state government for land and we hope soon to see work beginning on this front,” said an AAI official on condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, discussions were also held on the potential of having international MRO depots at Ahmedabad and Dholera, the communique further stated.  For the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad, more number of aero-bridges, speedy luggage check-in, medical and ATM facilities were also discussed.