Surat airport master plan envisions 2.25 crore flyers a year by 2047; no runway extension, acquisition of land planned

SURAT: Once named the fastest-growing city in the world for the 2019–2035 period by a 2018 Oxford Economics report, and backed by the government's Surat Economic Region plans, a major lead in aviation infrastructure is planned for Surat. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has unveiled its projections for Surat International Airport under the Surat Airport Master Plan – 2047, part of the Prime Minister's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. According to the plan, the airport is expected to handle 2.25 crore passengers annually by 2047, with capacity to manage 45 flights per hour.Terminal infrastructure will be greatly expanded, growing from the current 25,420 square metres to 4 lakh square metres in 2047. The terminals will be equipped to handle 4.5 crore passengers annually, a tenfold increase from the current capacity of 41 lakh.Interestingly, the runway length will remain unchanged at 2,906 metres, with no expansion recommended. All development will occur within the existing 772-acre footprint of the airport. The new master plan supersedes the earlier 2035 version."With the eighth largest population in India, Surat has full potential for air traffic growth. All businesses in the city are seeing growth. According to the Oxford Economics report, Surat will be the fastest-growing city in the world between 2019–35. It will have more people and businesses coming and with demand for flights to destinations in India and abroad, we believe flyer numbers will grow significantly," said an airport official.AAI sources revealed plans for a new apron dedicated to general aviation, along with residential and commercial complexes within the airport premises. The number of aircraft parking bays will increase from 18 to 64 by 2047, with 12 additional spaces for smaller aircraft and non-scheduled operations."We have planned a separate space for a low-cost terminal, from where non-scheduled and low-cost small aircraft will fly," said an official.Terminal expansion will occur in three phases, culminating in four terminal buildings by 2047. Initially, two new terminals will be constructed. In the final phase, the existing terminal will be demolished and replaced by two new buildings.Peak hourly passenger capacity will rise from 3,000 to 20,000, and parking facilities will be expanded to accommodate 10,000 cars, up from the current 500."Space has been allotted for commercial development where a passenger facilitation centre and shopping complex can come up. Passengers will be able to get guest rooms. There can be a small medical facility. Shops can also be accommodated," an official said.Passenger growth projections are based on the 2019–20 baseline, when 15.15 lakh passengers travelled through the airport. In 2024–25, the number rose to 17.24 lakh, indicating steady growth.