Surat Airport Set to Introduce Direct International Flights to Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore

Surat : Exciting news emerges for Surat as plans for direct international flights to Bangkok, Malaysia, and Singapore have been unveiled, set to commence in 2024 from Surat airport.

Sanjay Ezhava, President of the Surat Airport Action Committee (SAAC), confirmed that Surat Airport will soon establish direct air connectivity with Bangkok, along with other key destinations like Malaysia and Singapore, starting February 2024.

Preparations for these international flight operations are in full swing, spearheaded by Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India. Currently, Air India Express operates the Surat-Sharjah flight from Surat Airport.

Ezhava disclosed that Air India Express is gearing up to initiate the Bangkok-Surat-Bangkok international flight service from February 2024. The airline aims to provide three days a week connectivity between Surat and Bangkok, having completed cabin crew training on the new aircraft. Pending the arrival of new aircraft, operations from Surat are anticipated to resume soon.

Following the Bangkok-Surat-Bangkok route, Surat is expected to establish connections with Malaysia and Singapore through Mumbai, offering three days a week service. AirAsia or Vistara are reportedly planning to commence services for Surat-Malaysia and Surat-Singapore routes, further expanding the city’s air connectivity.

The SAAC, advocating for enhanced air connectivity for several years, recently submitted comprehensive statistical information to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, private airlines, and the Tata Group. This submission notably highlighted the success of the Sharjah-Surat-Sharjah flight route.

Air India Express’s operational statistics indicate a significant shift in passenger movement. In 2022, the airline operated around 237 aircraft movements, transporting a total of 29,425 passengers, achieving a 68% passenger load. However, by June 2023, the airline operated 164 aircraft movements, accommodating 25,291 passengers with an improved passenger load of 84%.

The introduction of these direct international flights signifies a major milestone for Surat Airport and the region’s connectivity aspirations, promising increased convenience and accessibility for travelers. As Surat prepares to step onto the global aviation map, the anticipation for these new routes continues to grow within the city and its surrounding regions.