Over the weekend, Surat Airport was buzzing with activity. A significant event was the historic flight to Dubai operated by Air India Express, coinciding with the airport receiving its “International Airport” designation. This adds to its existing international operations, mainly to Sharjah. The airport, now a “Customs” airport, has the capability for international flights.
The same day marked the inauguration of the world’s largest office building, the “Surat Diamond Bourse,” by the Prime Minister. The question arises: will this new development boost Surat’s struggling aviation sector? Surat, a major city in Gujarat known for diamond cutting and polishing, has faced challenges in establishing robust air connectivity.
Surat Airport has dealt with controversies, from limiting daily movements due to runway issues to the infamous SpiceJet buffalo incident. Local businesses even provided a bank guarantee to Air India in the past to ensure flight operations to Surat. Airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, AirAsia India, IndiGo, and Go FIRST have contributed to connecting Surat, but it has been a bumpy ride.
Despite being the ninth largest urban conglomerate in India, Surat’s air traffic doesn’t match its population. Fluctuations in airline services have led to a lack of consistent connectivity. Citizens blame airlines for neglecting the city, while airlines cite poor yields and high capacity environments as challenges. The result is limited direct flights, both domestic and international.
In the first six months of the current financial year, Surat had 6,17,783 domestic passengers, significantly lower than cities like Indore and Nagpur. In the previous year, Surat ranked 38th among the busiest airports in the country, not aligning with its population and size. The city even has its own airline, Ventura Air Connect, operating non-scheduled flights to smaller airstrips in Gujarat and beyond.
Surat’s good rail and road connectivity might have impacted aviation growth. However, with the new terminal, expanded apron, and international status, the hope is that airlines will now see Surat as an opportunity for business and growth. The world’s largest building signifies more than just a record; it aims to drive business, and aviation plays a crucial role in achieving that goal for Surat.
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