Surat Airport to Upgrade Safety with 20.33 Acres Land Acquisition for New ILS

Surat : The Gujarat government has given an approval for the acquisition of about 20.33 acres (88,643 square metres) of private land for the installation of the CAT-1 Instrument Landing System (ILS) at the Surat International Airport. 

This development has come after the article titled “Surat International Airport devoid of CAT-1 ILS for safe aircraft landing ’published in the The Blunt Times highlighting the long pending demand of the Surat collector for 20.33 acre land for installing the CAT-1 Instrument Landing System (ILS), which is absolutely necessary for safe aircraft landings in low visibility, with the GUJSAIL.

The Gujarat government has given permission for acquisition of 80643 square metres of private land totaling 20 survey numbers of Magdalla near the Surat airport. Government will also pay compensation as per Acquisition Rules 2013 for land acquisition. Correspondence in this regard was done by the GUJSAIL with the Surat District collector. However, the Surat district has issued a notification for the acquisition of 20.33 acres of private lands in Magdalla. 

Sources said that the state government has also given administrative approval to enter into an MoU in December 2024 with the Airport Authority of India. A provision of Rs 215 crore was also made in the 2023-24 budget for permanent acquisition of private lands.

Now, the outdated lighting systems at the Surat International Airport will be replaced soon.. 

Official sources said that the process for the land required for operational clearance of 10 meter height for new road and ILS (CAT-1) approach lights has been started. For this 8.15 hectares (about 20.33 acre land) has been identified in block number 44/B, 45, 48, 49/1, 49/2, 50/2/1, 50/2/2, and 51/5 in Magdalla village for acquisition. 

This move marks a pivotal moment in enhancing the infrastructure and safety measures at Surat Airport, ensuring safer landings and improved operational efficiency.

At Surat International Airport, flight diversions and delays have become common, which seriously calls for questions regarding aviation safety during the monsoon season. The problem stems from the outdated lighting system at the airport, which compromises landing aircraft vision.