Surat. There is disappointing news once again regarding Surat Airport.
The flight service operating between Surat and Bangkok is set to be completely shut down from July 1, 2026. Air India Express has stopped bookings on this route, citing continuous losses as the reason. This decision has led to dissatisfaction among passengers and business people.
According to reports, until some time ago, five international flights were operating from Surat Airport, including major routes like Bangkok, Dubai, and Sharjah. However, in the past few months, three of these flights have already been discontinued. By July 2026, only two international flights will remain from Surat Airport, primarily based on the Dubai route.
The Surat-Bangkok flight operated four days a week and was considered important for both tourism and business. Its closure will force passengers to travel from alternative cities, increasing both time and costs. Local residents and experts believe that there is injustice in terms of air services for a rapidly developing metropolis like Surat.
In recent years, many important routes such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Goa, and Sharjah have been shut down, while the frequency of other routes has also been reduced. It is noteworthy that Surat has a population of around 9 million and is one of the country's major industrial and commercial centers. Despite this, the continuous decline in air connectivity remains a concern.
According to statistics, Surat Airport has an average passenger load factor of up to 85%, with many flights reaching up to 90%. This clearly indicates that there is no shortage of passengers in the city, but rather a lack of adequate flight services. If solid steps are not taken in this direction in a timely manner, Surat's international connectivity may weaken further, which could directly impact the city's business and development.
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