Surat Airport Faces Backlash Over Lack of Passenger Amenities

Surat : Frequent fliers and airport activists have written to the chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) drawing his attention to the issue concerning the non-availability of food, beverage, and retail shops for passengers at Surat Airport. Despite the grand inauguration of the expanded terminal building by Prime Minister  Narendra Modi on December 17, 2023, the basic amenities for passengers remain glaringly absent even after 1 year.

The tenders were published on 28th February 2023. However, it has been almost two years, and the commercial department at Surat Airport has not yet managed to facilitate the installation of food and beverage outlets or retail shops at the expanded terminal building. This delay is causing significant inconvenience to passengers and reflects poorly on the airport’s commitment to providing a world-class experience.

Passengers frequently endure long waiting times at the airport, and the lack of proper food outlets, particularly in the international departure security hold area, leaves them with no viable options for food or drinks. This daily chaos and inadequate facility undermine the airport’s potential to deliver a seamless travel experience and tarnish its reputation as a modern, passenger-concentric facility.

Such a situation is creating a defaming impression of the so-called international tag granted to the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through cabinet approval just before the inauguration.

Surat now operates flights to Sharjah, Dubai, and Bangkok with almost daily frequency, attracting significant international passenger footfall. Unfortunately, these passengers are left with a poor impression of India’s airport infrastructure.

It is understood that there was a prolonged deadlock and tug of war between BCAS and Surat Airport administration regarding the approval of the floor plan for these facilities, which delayed progress by 6–8 months. However, it is now believed that the floor plan has been approved, and the matter resolved. But the continued delay appears to be due to the casual approach of the commercial department at Surat Airport, resulting in a status quo on this critical matter.

On one hand, the Aviation Minister is taking a personal interest in initiatives like UDAN Yatri Cafe to provide affordable and quality food options for travellers and on the other hand, the commercial department at Surat Airport exhibits a lacklustre attitude in addressing these urgent needs. This disparity highlights the urgent need for proactive leadership within the commercial department.

Moreover, by failing to utilize the rentable spaces for food, beverage, and retail outlets, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) is incurring substantial revenue losses, which ultimately affect the public exchequer.

The activists have demanded deployment of  competent and proactive leader in the commercial department at Surat Airport to expedite the installation of essential passenger facilities, and ensure strict adherence to deadlines for the completion of these installations.