City airport to finally get duty-free shops

Surat: Two years after the city airport was declared an international airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has begun the process of getting duty-free outlets operation at Surat International Airport. A request for proposal (RFP) has been floated for design, development, operation and maintenance of duty-free shops within the customs area of the terminal.The move follows the inauguration of the new terminal on Dec 17, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Airport officials said the addition will bring Surat in line with global practices at international airports. Surat airport director A N Sharma told TOI, "With Surat city considered to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, duty-free shops will add to its global exposure. We expect the shops to be operational in four to five months. There will be two duty-free shops, one each at departures and arrivals. Flyers will be able to buy high-quality and authentic products from them according to international standards at good prices." The duty-free outlets will sell liquor and alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, cosmetics and personal care items, chocolates and packaged snacks, watches and jewellery, electronic goods and select "Made in India" products permitted by customs. Surtis welcomed the move, saying it will give the Surat airport a more international feel. Rajesh Modi, a corporate executive, told TOI, "There are duty-free shops at international airports all over the world. This shop at Surat airport will give it an ‘international' feel, which was missing thus far. Duty-free shops gives passengers a different feel. Surat airport also needs a dedicated Surti food stall where popular local delicacies like khaman, locho, alu puri, khawsa and dal-kanda samosa are served." Linesh Shah, chairman of the SGCCI aviation committee, said duty-free shops would create a positive impression among foreign business travellers visiting Surat's diamond and textile industries. "Many international passengers cannot carry items like liquor due to luggage weight limits. Now, they will be able to buy them after landing here. Those who have forgotten electronic devices will also be able to buy them from duty-free shops. These shops are favourites among flyers as most have preferences for certain products for their quality."