Surat International Airport is experiencing a surge in international travel, with February 2024 marking a record month for outbound passengers. This growth is attributed to the addition of new flight routes and increased service to popular destinations.

Prior to 2018, Surat lacked direct international connections. However, the introduction of flights to Sharjah marked a turning point. While these flights were initially bi-weekly, the impact of the pandemic forced a temporary suspension.

Post-pandemic recovery has seen a significant rise in air travel. The addition of flights to Dubai, initially operating four days a week, further boosted passenger numbers. In February, the introduction of another Dubai route, now operating five days a week, solidified Surat's growing role as a regional travel hub.

Currently, three international flights operate out of Surat, facilitating the movement of 12,239 passengers in February alone, achieved with just 78 flights. Notably, Pune, with 107 flights serving international routes, recorded only 13,590 outbound passengers in the same period. This trend suggests Surat is poised to surpass Pune in international passenger volume for March.

Looking at broader trends, data from airlines reveals a total of 1,254,966 passengers utilizing Surat International Airport between April 2023 and February 2024. The peak for domestic travel occurred in January 2024, with 135,963 passengers, while February saw a significant boost in international travel following the launch of the new Dubai route.

The impressive growth comes despite a 30-40% increase in airfares compared to 2019. This highlights the strong demand for air travel from Surat, with residents willing to pay a premium for increased connectivity and convenience.

With continued expansion of domestic and international routes, Surat International Airport is well-positioned to witness even greater passenger volumes in the coming year. The rise in air travel signifies Surat's growing importance as a commercial and cultural center.