Why the top airlines shying away from Surat airport?

Surat (Gujarat) : Surat airport was bustling with airlines and phenomenal passenger traffic during the pre-pandemic period. However, things have changed in just two years since the pandemic started. Passenger movements have been drastically reduced as airlines have veered away from providing flight services, and some have completely ceased operations from Surat airport.

So, why are airlines ignoring the Surat airport post-pandemic? IT is all due to the slow pace of infrastructural development, such as the construction of the Parallel Taxi Track (PTT), Apron, and the expansion of the terminal building, caused concern among airlines operating from the Surat airport during the pre-pandemic period.

The passenger movement at Surat airport reached an all-time high of 1.5 lakh passengers in 2019-20. However, in the aftermath of the pandemic, the airport is still struggling to reach up to 70% of passenger traffic in 2019-20.

Many airlines operating to and from Surat airport have reduced or ceased operations as of 2022. Vistara and Alliance Air were supposed to begin operations connecting Surat to other destinations, but the companies have put their plans on hold.

The sharp decrease in the air services at Surat airport is worrying as the world’s largest diamond exchange, Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) awaiting its inauguration in 2023 and the diamond industry leaders, diplomats and government officials are set to descend in the diamond city.

The Surat airport has issued NOTAM (Notice to Airman) stating that the length of 2291 meters out of the 2,905 meters is available on the 04 and 22 side of the runway, some of the parking bays can’t be used for loading and unloading of the passengers, reduction in the parking space given to the aircrafts, etc.

These are the uncertianities that might be forcing the airlines to suspend their operations or reduce the flights, which is a matter of great concern for the economic capital of Gujarat and the world’s fastest growing city.

Now winter has started and due to fog it is the experience of last many years that flights have to be diverted.  Due to the short length of the runway and other problems, it seems that relief is not going to come soon!

Another issue plaguing the airport is the shortage of ATC staff at the airport , lack of parking space, non-availability of night parking,  slow progress of infrastructure development and indifferent behavior of Surat Airport authorities.

Overall, the people of Surat have to bear the brunt of this!  Because the flight is less and the fare is more!  That’s why people are forced to travel through other airports and other routes.