Demands to resume flights to Dubai, Sharjah and Bangkok, detailed discussion on infrastructure expansion of Surat Airport

Surat. In New Delhi, a delegation from the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and gave a detailed presentation on issues related to air connectivity and infrastructure development at Surat International Airport. The delegation was led by SGCCI President-Designate Ashok Jirawala.

This important meeting was organized at the residence of Union Jal Shakti Minister and Navsari MP C.R. Patil in New Delhi through his special mediation and coordination. The meeting discussed airport development in detail, considering the rapidly growing industrial and commercial needs of South Gujarat.

Demand to make Surat a ‘Point of Call’

In the presentation, SGCCI stated that Surat is a rapidly emerging economic hub of the country, with global influence in the diamond, textile, engineering, chemicals, and MSME sectors. Despite this, even after being declared an international airport, there remains a lack of international flights and modern facilities.

The delegation demanded that Surat be included as a “Point of Call” under the Air Service Agreement (ASA), so that international airlines can be permitted to operate direct flights from Surat.

Additionally, they urged the resumption of previously operated international flights from Surat to Dubai, Sharjah, and Bangkok. The chamber noted that there is huge demand on these routes from business travelers, NRIs, and Gujarati migrants.

Demand for connectivity to new cities including Mumbai and Bhubaneswar

The meeting also proposed increasing the number of daily flights between Surat and Mumbai, and introducing additional frequency on the Delhi sector. Furthermore, a demand was made to start direct flights from Surat to Bhubaneswar, to facilitate workers and industries between Odisha and Gujarat.

The chamber also highlighted the need to start air connectivity to major cities such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranchi, Patna, Varanasi, Kochi, Coimbatore, Indore, and Lucknow. A request was also made to approve additional UDAN routes to enhance regional connectivity.

Emphasis on airport infrastructure expansion

The delegation demanded permission for simultaneous operation of domestic and international flights at Surat Airport. They also proposed developing a full-fledged international cargo terminal with customs clearance facilities to reduce exporters’ dependence on Mumbai.

To prevent flight delays during bad weather, they demanded the installation of a CAT-I landing system and an advanced approach lighting system. Additionally, suggestions were made to start duty-free shops at the airport and modernize it under a PPP model.

2047 Master Plan and future preparations

The chamber informed that in 2023, a modern terminal of 25,520 square meters was developed at Surat Airport, with an annual capacity of 5.5 million passengers. Facilities such as 24×7 operations and night parking are also available at the airport.

The meeting also discussed the vision under the Airport Master Plan-2047 to develop capacity to handle 22.5 million passengers annually in the future. A suggestion was also made to allow electric vehicles in airside operations.

Minister gave positive assurance

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu listened seriously to all the issues raised by the delegation and gave assurance of positive consideration and necessary action.

The meeting was attended by Airport Advisory Committee members Paresh Patel, Suresh Agarwal, Keyur Kheni, Kewal Shah, Pramod Chaudhary, Vinod Agarwal, Kunjvihari Sultania, Subhash Patodia, J.P. Agarwal, Jeetubhai Vakharia, Anand Desai, Nagjibhai Sakaria, Bhuratal Shah, Kailash Hakim, Vishal Budhia, and Bharat Sukhadia, along with several industrialists and representatives of trade organizations from South Gujarat.

Surat

Surat is a historic port city in the Indian state of Gujarat, known for its significant role in maritime trade during the Mughal era. It was a major hub for exporting textiles, diamonds, and spices to Europe and the Middle East, and it also served as the site where the British East India Company established its first factory in India in 1612. Today, Surat remains a thriving commercial center, famous for its diamond cutting and polishing industry.

New Delhi

New Delhi, the capital of India, was designed and built by the British in the early 20th century, with its foundation laid in 1911 and officially inaugurated in 1931. It was constructed to replace Calcutta as the imperial capital, featuring grand boulevards and neoclassical architecture by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Today, it serves as the seat of India’s government, blending its colonial past with a vibrant modern identity.

Dubai

Dubai is a major city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, known for its futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Originally a small fishing and pearl-diving village, it transformed rapidly after the discovery of oil in the 1960s, diversifying its economy into tourism, real estate, and finance. Today, it is home to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the artificial Palm Jumeirah islands.

Sharjah

Sharjah is the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, known as the cultural capital of the country due to its rich heritage and numerous museums. Its history dates back over 5,000 years, with significant development as a major trading port in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Sharjah is celebrated for its preservation of Islamic art, architecture, and traditions, offering a contrast to the modern skyscrapers of neighboring Dubai.

Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a vibrant metropolis known for its ornate temples, bustling street life, and rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1782 as the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, it became the seat of the Chakri dynasty and has since evolved into a major global city while preserving historic sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Today, Bangkok blends traditional Thai culture with modern development, making it a key center for tourism, commerce, and politics in Southeast Asia.

Mumbai

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a major port city on the west coast of India and the capital of the state of Maharashtra. Originally a collection of seven islands inhabited by fishing communities, it was ceded to the British East India Company in 1661 and rapidly grew into a key trading hub. Today, it is India’s financial and entertainment capital, home to Bollywood and a vibrant, multicultural population.

Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, India, is known as the “City of Temples” due to its rich history as a major center of Kalinga architecture. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, with the ancient temples like the 11th-century Lingaraja Temple and the Mukteshvara Temple showcasing exquisite carvings. The city also served as the ancient capital of the Kalinga kingdom, and its name, meaning “Lord of the Universe,” reflects its deep spiritual significance.

Surat International Airport

Surat International Airport, located in Gujarat, India, serves as a key gateway to the diamond and textile hub of Surat. Originally a domestic airport, it was upgraded to international status in 2020, with a new terminal building inaugurated in 2023 to handle increased passenger traffic. The airport’s expansion reflects the city’s rapid economic growth and its importance as a global trade center.