In some good news for Gujarat, the state’s Surat Airport has been declared an ‘international airport’. The Surat Airport is Gujarat’s second busiest airport, after Ahmedabad. This move was proposed by the Union Cabinet in December 2023 and was approved by the government in an official notification issued on January 30. Read on to learn some key features of the newly minted Surat International Airport.
Surat Airport Is Now An International Airport
Surat is officially notified as an International airport as per the gazette issued by the Central Government.
People of Surat respectfully thank PM @narendramodi Ji, HM @AmitShah Ji, Union Aviation Minister @JM_Scindia Ji, Surat MP and Central Govt MoS @DarshanaJardosh Ji and… pic.twitter.com/zUzGSiqfrm
— Dhaval Patel (@dhaval241086) January 31, 2024
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Gujarat’s Surat Airport has received an international airport status now. The Union Cabinet introduced a proposal for the same in December 2023. This strategic decision will help “streamline import-export operations of the diamond and textile industries” in the city. Furthermore, it will ease travel for international passengers.
Furthermore, the authorities expect this move will help in economic growth, increase foreign investment, and improve diplomatic ties for the nation. The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s circular read, “It is hereby notified that Surat Airport in Gujarat is declared as an International Airport with immediate effect.”
Also Read: After Air India, IndiGo Launches Dubai-Surat Direct Flights
Know More: Key Features Of Surat Airport
Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new terminal at the Surat Airport that was designed for domestic use. The terminal was constructed for ₹353 crore and is capable of accommodating Code ‘C’ type aircraft. It is Gujarat’s second busiest airport in terms of aeroplane movements and passenger traffic. It is connected to 14 domestic cities like Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad – to name a few. This airport is also handling about 252 passenger flights per week.
Spread over an area of 770 acres, it was awarded the status of customs airport in 2018. Air India became the first airline to operate the international terminal of the Surat Airport. They flew a direct flight from Surat to Dubai on December 17, 2023.
The ‘international airport’ status is likely to give a boost to business, improve exports and imports in Gujarat, and also the livelihoods of people there!
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@narendramodi & X/@dhaval241086
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.