Ahmedabad Airport becomes 7th Busiest in India 

Ahmedabad : Ahmedabad International Airport has emerged as the 7th busiest airport in India, with flight movements increasing by 8% over the past year. On average, a flight operates every 5.33 minutes, marking significant growth for the airport. Between April and September 2024, more than 48,000 flights were operated, with around 270 flights taking off and landing daily. This is a notable increase from last year’s 220 to 230 daily flights, reflecting enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.

During this six-month period, over 60 lakh passengers traveled through the Ahmedabad airport. Of these, 50 lakh were domestic passengers, while 10 lakh traveled internationally. Popular domestic routes from Ahmedabad include Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with international destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait being the top picks. Notably, the airport has become a key transit point for pilgrims traveling to major destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, and Dubai.

Expansion of Connectivity

Ahmedabad Airport’s rise in traffic can be attributed to upgraded infrastructure and improved international connectivity, which has made it a preferred airport in Western India for many airlines. In 2024, several new international routes were introduced, enhancing direct connectivity for passengers. This increase in routes has also led to a 6% rise in domestic passenger numbers and a significant 15% growth in international passengers compared to the previous year.

New flights connecting Ahmedabad to destinations in Southeast Asia have contributed to this growth. For instance, Thai Air Asia and Thai Lion Air have introduced flights to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, offering more options for travelers heading to Thailand. Additionally, Air Asia has started direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These new routes not only improve travel options but also establish Ahmedabad as a key gateway for international travel from Western India.

Growing Domestic Network

The airport’s domestic network has also expanded with new routes launched to Rajkot, Aurangabad, and Nanded. These additions have led to a 6% increase in domestic connectivity and passenger traffic. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have seen a rise in passenger numbers, and the airport has positioned itself as an important hub for these carriers. The enhanced network has contributed to the overall rise in passenger movement, indicating a growing demand for regional connectivity.

In the last three months alone, from July to September 2024, Ahmedabad Airport witnessed a 10% increase in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. This growth translates to 29 lakh passengers traveling through the airport during this period, up from 26 lakh passengers in 2023. Such steady growth underscores the airport’s status as a major domestic and international transit hub.

Strategic Upgrades and Future Growth

Ahmedabad Airport’s continued improvements in infrastructure have played a crucial role in attracting new airlines and expanding its route network. The airport now offers more direct flights, which has been a major factor in its increased popularity. International airlines have added new destinations, enabling passengers to fly directly from Ahmedabad to more locations worldwide. With the start of the winter schedule on October 27, even more domestic and international flights are expected to be added, along with new airlines commencing operations.

This expansion is likely to further boost passenger traffic and flight operations. Ahmedabad’s strategic location and efficient operations have made it the most efficient airport in Western India after Mumbai. Over the last six months, several domestic and international flights were even diverted to Ahmedabad, reflecting its capability to handle increased traffic and solidifying its reputation as a reliable and efficient airport.

Key Transit Point for International and Domestic Passengers

The airport continues to be a critical transit point for passengers traveling to major cities within India, with Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore being the top domestic destinations. On the international front, flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait have the highest passenger traffic, underlining the airport’s significance in connecting Gujarat to global destinations.

The increase in connectivity has brought about a boom in the number of pilgrims and tourists traveling via Ahmedabad. Direct flights to key religious and tourist destinations have become a major draw, encouraging more airlines to expand their routes.