Foreign Flights Are Still a distant dream at Surat International Airport

Surat : In a move hailed as a significant step towards enhancing connectivity, the Ministry of Civil Aviation formally declared Surat Airport an international airport on January 30. However, the celebrations might be short-lived, as the airport currently lacks the crucial permissions to attract foreign airlines, leaving its true international status in limbo.

The immediate hurdle lies in the government’s policy of not granting “point of call” rights to non-metro cities like Surat. This regulation restricts foreign airlines from using Surat as a stopover on their journeys to other destinations, effectively barring them from launching direct flights. Additionally, revising existing bilateral agreements with other countries to include Surat as a point of call would require extensive negotiations and time, further delaying the arrival of foreign carriers.

Currently, Surat International Airport caters only to two international destinations – Sharjah and Dubai – both served by Air India Express. While IndiGo has announced the launch of direct flights to Dubai starting February 23rd, these will still be operated by an Indian airline. This leaves a significant gap in the airport’s ability to truly connect Surat with the global network.

Industry experts believe this decision might hinder Surat’s economic growth and its aspirations to become a major business hub. The lack of foreign airlines could limit the city’s accessibility to international trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.

“While granting international status to Surat Airport is a welcome step, the absence of point of call rights and bilateral agreements significantly restricts its true potential,” said  a prominent aviation analyst. “The government needs to review its policies and consider the economic benefits of allowing foreign airlines to operate in Surat.”