Surat. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) made a significant initiative to develop Surat International Airport as a world-class aviation hub in line with future needs, presenting a detailed proposal to Pulla Hizhikya, Regional Executive Director of Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the Western Region.
The meeting was held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Samhati in Sarsana. Present at the meeting were Chamber President Ashok Jirawala, Honorary Minister Paresh Lathia, Honorary Treasurer Atul Patel, Mentor of the Aviation and Airport Committee Rajnikant Marfatia, Committee Chairman Linesh Shah, Surat Airport Director Anand Sharma, senior officials from the Airports Authority, and members of the Chamber's Aviation and Airport Committee. During the meeting, Ashok Jirawala stated that citizens from 26 states are connected to employment, industry, and business in Surat.
Therefore, it is essential to provide adequate domestic flight services for these states. He presented a long-term and comprehensive plan to develop Surat International Airport in accordance with global standards. The Chamber provided several important suggestions for the overall development of the airport, which primarily included the establishment of an international air cargo terminal, modernization of approach lighting systems and air navigation facilities, a dedicated international passenger terminal, and future terminal expansion.
Significant increases in aircraft parking (apron) capacity, establishment of Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, modernization of existing hangars for NSOP, MRO, flying training, and general aviation activities, expansion of airside infrastructure to develop the capacity for simultaneous operation of more aircraft, runway extension, and plans to re-operate approximately 615 meters of removed runway sections were also suggested. The Chamber emphasized the need to prepare a long-term airport master plan in line with Vision-2047, develop an aerotropolis and airport economic zone, and timely planning for a greenfield or second airport considering future needs. Improvements in public transport, last-mile connectivity, and traffic management, development of smart airport technology, passenger amenities, and landscaping, as well as promotion of green airport initiatives like solar energy, electric vehicles, and rainwater harvesting were also highlighted.
The Chamber stated in its presentation that Surat is among the fastest-growing economic centers in the country. The city's global identity in diamonds, textiles, engineering, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, MSME, solar, and the service sector is continuously strengthening. Given the increasing international trade, investment, and tourism, world-class airport infrastructure has now become indispensable.
The presentation also emphasized the expansion of general aviation facilities, establishment of aviation training and skill development centers, enhancement of air traffic control capacity, and development of necessary infrastructure for operating more domestic and international flights. AAI assured positive consideration of the suggestions. Pulla Hizhikya, Regional Executive Director of AAI, appreciated the Chamber's practical and visionary presentation and assured that all suggestions would be positively considered.
He also provided information about the ongoing and proposed development projects at Surat International Airport and reiterated AAI's commitment to developing world-class facilities in line with the region's growing needs. At the end of the meeting, the Chamber expressed confidence that with the joint efforts of the Airports Authority of India, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Gujarat government, and the industry, Surat International Airport would become the leading international aviation, trade, and connectivity center in Western India in the coming years, providing new momentum to the economic development of South Gujarat.
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