Surat: With the Surat International Airport now operational round-the-clock, both daytime and nighttime flights are being efficiently managed, providing a major relief to airlines and passengers alike. Flights arriving at odd hours — such as 3 AM or 7 AM — are now being allowed to land without delays, leading to improved time efficiency and reduced inconvenience for travelers.
As per report, in the past three days alone, 12 flights originally bound for Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad were successfully diverted and landed at Surat during the night, showcasing the enhanced operational capacity of the airport.
The move to keep the airport's Air Traffic Control (ATC) functional 24 hours a day has also encouraged airlines to plan new routes. In a recent development, Air Ventura has launched a non-scheduled early morning service from Surat to Amreli at 7 AM. This was not feasible earlier because the ATC used to start operations only after 7:30 AM, which caused delays for early-arriving flights.
Previously, flights entering the Surat airspace before 7:30 AM — such as those from Kolkata or Hyderabad — had to wait until the ATC was operational. This not only inconvenienced passengers but also posed fuel management challenges for pilots. That issue has now been resolved.
During periods of geopolitical tension, particularly when Pakistan's airspace was closed, Surat Airport played a crucial role in facilitating over 6,000 diverted flights, proving its strategic importance. More recently, adverse weather in Delhi has led to flights headed toward Mumbai and Ahmedabad being rerouted to Surat, with landings occurring successfully even at night.
The decision to keep Surat Airport operational 24x7 is now enabling airlines to plan their schedules more effectively, enhancing the punctuality of both scheduled and non-scheduled services. This shift is expected to significantly boost Surat’s air connectivity, opening up new avenues for aviation growth and offering greater convenience to passengers, pilots, and operators.
