Surat Airport Director Transferred to Hubli in Unexpected Move

Surat : The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stirred up surprise and speculation with its recent decision to transfer Surat Airport Director, Rupeshkumar Lohani, to Hubli Airport. Lohani, who has played a pivotal role in the development of Surat Airport over the past three years, finds himself abruptly reassigned, leaving the Surat aviation community puzzled and concerned.

In a move that has caught many off guard, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced the transfer of Surat Airport Director, Rupeshkumar Lohani, to Hubli Airport, raising eyebrows and prompting questions about the motives behind the decision.

Rupeshkumar Lohani has been an instrumental figure at Surat Airport, initially serving as the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Incharge before rising to the position of General Manager and eventually Surat Airport Director. However, his tenure as Airport Director has been cut short, with the unexpected transfer to Hubli Airport coming as a shock to many, within just one year of his appointment.

Confirming the news of his transfer, Rupeshkumar Lohani expressed his surprise and disappointment, particularly considering the ongoing development projects and growth initiatives at Surat International Airport. “I have been transferred to Hubli airport,” stated Lohani, highlighting his bewilderment over the sudden change at a time when Surat Airport is poised for expansion and progress.

Sources reveal that the decision to transfer Rupeshkumar to Hubli Airport stems from the desire to appoint a regular Airport Director for Hubli, which previously operated under an Incharge APD. It is believed that influential voices within the ruling party advocated for this move, aiming to accelerate the growth and development of Hubli Airport.

As a consequence of Lohani’s transfer, Surat International Airport now finds itself under the leadership of an Incharge APD, pending the appointment of a new Airport Director. The transition process is expected to be lengthy and cumbersome, potentially impacting ongoing projects such as the construction of a Parallel Taxi Track.

The timing of this change is critical for Surat International Airport, which is actively engaged in efforts to expand its international flight operations. However, the transfer has raised concerns about the continuity of development initiatives and the seamless functioning of the airport under new leadership.