Surat International Airport
Location and Accessibility
Surat International Airport (IATA: STV, ICAO: VASU) is located in Magdalla, approximately 11 kilometers southwest of the city center of Surat, Gujarat, India. Surat International Airport is a critical infrastructure asset that supports the vibrant economy of Surat. With its modern facilities and strategic expansion plans, the airport is set to enhance its role as a key gateway in Gujarat, providing seamless connectivity for passengers and cargo alike.
This airport serves the city of Surat and the surrounding regions, playing a crucial role in connecting the textile and diamond hub of India to the rest of the country and international destinations.
History and Development
Originally a domestic airport, Surat Airport saw a significant upgrade in 2009, transforming it into an international airport to cater to the increasing demand for air travel due to Surat’s rapid economic growth. The airport’s first international flight was launched in 2018, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Facilities and Services
Surat International Airport is equipped with modern facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience for passengers. Key amenities include:
Passenger Terminals: The airport has a single integrated terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal is designed to manage a capacity of over 2 million passengers annually, offering spacious waiting areas, efficient check-in counters, and immigration facilities.
Runway and Apron: The airport features a single runway (04/22) with a length of 2,905 meters, capable of accommodating large aircraft. The apron area can handle multiple aircraft simultaneously, ensuring smooth operations.
Cargo Services: Given Surat’s prominence in the textile and diamond industries, the airport has developed robust cargo facilities to support the export of goods. The cargo terminal is equipped to handle perishable and non-perishable items efficiently.
Parking and Transportation: Adequate parking space is available for both short-term and long-term parking. The airport is well-connected by road, with taxi and bus services readily available for easy access to and from the city.
Airlines and Destinations
Several domestic and international airlines operate from Surat International Airport, connecting the city to key destinations. Domestic airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet offer frequent flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. International connections, though limited, are expanding, with flights to destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Domestic and International Destinations from Surat International Airport
Domestic Destinations
Surat International Airport offers flights to several key cities across India. Some of the major domestic destinations include:
- Delhi (DEL): Daily flights are available to the national capital, making it a major hub for further connections.
- Mumbai (BOM): Frequent flights connect Surat to Mumbai, the financial capital of India.
- Bangalore (BLR): Direct flights to Bangalore facilitate business and IT industry connections.
- Hyderabad (HYD): Regular flights connect Surat with Hyderabad, another major IT and business hub.
- Kolkata (CCU): Flights to Kolkata provide connections to the eastern part of India.
- Chennai (MAA): Direct flights link Surat with the southern metropolitan city of Chennai.
- Jaipur (JAI): Regular flights connect Surat with the capital city of Rajasthan, a popular tourist destination.
- Goa (GOI): Flights to Goa cater to the leisure and tourism segment.
- Pune (PNQ): Frequent flights to Pune serve both business and educational purposes.
- Varanasi (VNS): Flights to Varanasi offer connections to this important cultural and religious destination.
International Destinations
Although the number of international destinations is currently limited, Surat International Airport is expanding its international connectivity. As of now, you can fly to:
- Dubai (DXB): Direct flights to Dubai cater to business travelers and the large expatriate community.
- Sharjah (SHJ): Flights to Sharjah provide another gateway to the UAE, serving both business and leisure travelers.
- Singapore (SIN): Scheduled flights to Singapore connect Surat with this major global financial hub and popular tourist destination.
Future Plans
With ongoing developments and expansion plans, Surat International Airport aims to increase its international destinations. Proposed future international routes include connections to:
- Doha (DOH): Qatar’s capital, serving as a significant transit hub for global destinations.
- Bangkok (BKK): Thailand’s capital, a major tourist destination and business center.
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Malaysia’s capital, providing further connectivity in Southeast Asia.
- London (LHR/LGW): Potential long-haul flights to the United Kingdom, catering to business and tourism.
Surat International Airport is progressively expanding its reach, enhancing the connectivity of Surat to major domestic and international destinations.
Future Prospects
The airport is poised for further expansion to meet the growing demand. Plans include the extension of the runway, construction of a new terminal building, and the enhancement of cargo facilities. These developments aim to transform Surat International Airport into a major aviation hub in western India.
Economic Impact
Surat International Airport plays a vital role in the economic development of the region. It facilitates the swift movement of people and goods, bolstering trade and tourism. The airport’s strategic location and efficient services attract businesses, contributing to Surat’s growth as a commercial powerhouse.