Major Mishap Averted as Ceiling Collapses at Surat Airport Terminal

Surat, Gujarat –  A major accident was narrowly averted at the new integrated terminal of Surat International Airport on Sunday morning when several ceiling sheets came crashing down near the new departure area. The incident occurred at around 6:00 am at Surat airport, raising serious concerns about the structural integrity of the ₹138.48 crore terminal building inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17, 2023.

Fortunately, no passengers were injured as the area was relatively empty at that early hour. However, had the incident occurred during peak hours, it could have led to a tragic mishap.

“Four to five ceiling sheets had fallen behind the new departure checking area,” confirmed Airport Director Anand Kumar Sharma. “We immediately began repair work through the civil engineering team, which continued until 6:15 pm the same day,” he added.

Sources within the airport authority revealed that a total of 25 ceiling sheets had become loose, prompting a thorough structural review by technical teams. A report has been submitted to senior officials for further action.

The incident has left passengers and frequent flyers deeply concerned about the safety and quality of the newly built terminal.

“I was just arriving for my early morning flight when I saw workers rushing with ladders and tools. If this had happened during the day, someone could have easily been seriously hurt,” said Kiran Patel, a frequent flyer from Surat.

Another traveler, Aarti Desai, who witnessed the aftermath, said, “A terminal that was inaugurated just months ago should not have such serious structural issues. It shows poor construction and lack of quality control.”

With public confidence shaken, the incident has sparked widespread criticism on social media and among citizens, many demanding accountability from the builders and authorities.