SGCCI Pushes for 24×7 International Airport, Air-Cargo 

Surat, Gujarat – In a decisive move to boost Surat’s global connectivity, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) held an impactful meeting with Surat Airport Director Anand Sharma on Tuesday, urging the immediate commencement of international air-cargo operations and 24×7 airport access for the diamond city of Surat.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders from the Chamber and Airport Authority of India. SGCCI President Vijay Mewawala set the tone for the session, highlighting the urgency of equipping Surat with robust international air logistics infrastructure.

“Surat contributes significantly to Gujarat’s economy through diamonds, textiles, and agri-exports. Our entrepreneurs are ready. All we need now is an airport that works round the clock with international cargo access,” Mewawala asserted in his welcome speech.

He pointed out that despite Surat’s global trade links, the lack of international cargo flights and limited airport operational hours have kept the region from realizing its full potential.

In response, Airport Director Anand Sharma reassured the Chamber that development plans are underway. “We are working towards enhancing passenger convenience and airport utility. Soon, baby care rooms and executive lounges will be operational. Multilingual signboards for parking charges will also be installed to help commuters,” he said.

However, the Chamber didn’t stop at cargo and timings. During the interactive session, several pressing issues were raised:

Establishing a dedicated pre-paid taxi counter at the airport

Resolving parking congestion

Speeding up work on the taxi track and Digi Yatra implementation

Facilitating e-visa services for international travelers

A strong call was made for round-the-clock operations to allow for better connectivity, especially for exporters who currently rely on distant airports like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

“This is not just a demand; it’s a necessity for a city that is transforming into a global business hub,” said Chamber Vice President-elect Shri Rajnikant Marfatia.

Nikhil Madrasi, President-elect of the Chamber, extended gratitude to the Airport Authority and all participants, emphasizing the need for continuous collaboration to ensure swift implementation of the proposals.

Also present at the meeting were Sunil Kumar, Assistant GM (Engineering, AAI), Nirav Mandlewala, Chamber’s Honorary Minister, Ashok Jirawala, and  Manoj Singapuri among others. Linesh Shah, Chairman of the Chamber’s Aviation Committee, coordinated the discussion and reinforced the Chamber’s readiness to support AAI in all development-related efforts.

With increasing pressure from the business community and strategic talks underway, Surat Airport development now stands at a crucial juncture. Entrepreneurs are hopeful that the government and aviation authorities will rise to the occasion and position Surat as a true international aviation and export hub.