AAI Abandons Key Surat Airport Safety Upgrades

Surat, Gujarat  – A shocking and “mysterious” decision by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to abandon the acquisition of crucial land for advanced safety systems at Surat International Airport has ignited a furious backlash from aviation experts and passenger groups, who warn of potentially catastrophic consequences. Despite the Gujarat government’s readiness to allot 22.33 acres for essential CAT-1 approach lighting and an additional 5 acres for a radar station – demands AAI itself had pressed for over five to seven years – the project has been inexplicably dropped.

The abrupt U-turn, communicated by Surat Airport Authority to the District Collector on June 2, comes just weeks after AAI had sent two letters (April 2, 2025, and May 28, 2025) urgently requesting the initiation of land acquisition. The land, spanning 25.33 acres and earmarked for acquisition from 20 private owners with an approved budget of ₹215 crore, was central to enhancing the airport’s operational capabilities and safety.

“This is an absolutely baffling decision, and frankly, it’s deeply concerning for passenger safety,” exclaimed a veteran aviation analyst, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “CAT-1 ILS (Instrument Landing System) is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for an international airport, especially one operating 24×7 and facing persistent visibility issues. To walk away from it after years of demand and an MoU defies logic.”

The MOU, signed between AAI and the Gujarat Government in December 2023, specifically outlined the expansion of the airport and the installation of the CAT-1 approach lighting system and ASR-MSSR radar facility.

When pressed on the sudden reversal, Surat Airport Director Anand Kumar Sharma offered a terse response: “This is a policy decision of the Airport Authority of India. We have followed the order from the head office of the Airport Authority not to acquire land. A policy decision has been taken not to acquire land for the project. We have followed the order we received from above, so we have nothing special to say.” This boilerplate explanation has done little to quell growing public and expert apprehension.

A senior Surat airport official, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided a rationale that has further fueled skepticism. “We observed no major diversions due to fog or smoke that would necessitate a CAT-1 lighting system. We don’t experience fog as severe as Delhi or Amritsar. We felt spending crores on the system was unnecessary as we don’t face significant problems. Last year, only three flights were diverted due to fog. Thus, we have asked the collector to postpone the land acquisition.”

However, this justification flies in the face of ground realities. Aviation experts counter that Surat Airport regularly witnesses flight diversions to Ahmedabad and Vadodara during winter fog, industrial smoke from the Hazira-Sachin belt, and heavy monsoon rains, all of which reduce visibility below safe landing limits. Moreover, the airport’s crucial Runway 22, vital for its high volume of landings, has already been shortened by 615 meters to just 2291 meters due to illegal constructions impacting the aircraft funnel path. Without CAT-1 lighting, which provides crucial visual guidance for safe landings in low visibility, the inherent safety risks are amplified.

“This decision is a step backward for Surat’s aviation prospects and passenger safety,” fumed a member of the Airport Awareness Group. “Who are the beneficiaries who snatched this land from the mouth of the Airport Authority at the final stage of allotment? This abrupt reversal, just a week after pressing for acquisition, raises serious questions about vested interests. Why are they compromising public safety?”