Advertisement
Surat International Airport has ushered in a new era with the commencement of domestic flight operations from its state-of-the-art terminal, constructed at a cost of ₹353 crore. Indigo marked this milestone by operating initial flights connecting Surat to Delhi and Hyderabad, setting the stage for an impactful phase in the airport’s operational history.
Surat Airport’s Domestic Flights Terminal begins. The first flight from Delhi arrived with 177 passengers and departed with 161 passengers, while the second flight from Hyderabad brought 180 passengers and departed with a similar number from Surat. To further enhance connectivity, an Air India Express flight to Dubai is scheduled for departure on the following day.
The inaugural event was marked with a ceremonial lamp lighting and cake-cutting ceremony, attended by Surat Airport director Rupesh Kumar, airport staff, and airline officials. Welcoming passengers, airport officials presented flowers to commemorate the first domestic flight from the new terminal.
Surat Airport director Rupesh Kumar expressed, “There was a need for a big airport. It was a long-awaited demand. Our Prime Minister inaugurated the terminal on December 17. Today, we are starting the new terminal after cake cutting by the new passenger.”
Passengers shared their enthusiasm, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government. A traveler named Aarohi remarked, “I am very happy and thankful to PM Narendra Modi and the state government. This direct flight will increase our business.”
With 11 flights operating daily from the new terminal, officials highlighted the increased capacity and enhanced connectivity. The new terminal, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on December 17, is designed to handle 1,200 domestic passengers and 600 international passengers during peak hours, with provisions to further increase peak-hour capacity to 3,000 passengers and an annual handling capacity of 55 lakh passengers.
Surat Airport is currently connected to 14 domestic cities and internationally to Sharjah. The airport boasts sustainability features such as an insulated roofing system, energy-saving canopies, double-glazed windows to reduce heat gain, rainwater harvesting, a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, and the use of recycled water for landscaping and a solar power plant. The terminal’s design reflects local culture and heritage, featuring Rogan and embroidery works, wooden carvings, and mosaic work depicting the famous Kite festival of Gujarat.
