Surat, India - The city's airport has finally received approval for six additional apron spaces after a six-month wait, allowing for increased nighttime parking capacity. Aviation department has given the green light, raising the total number of aircraft that can be parked at the airport to 11. However, one slot is reserved for emergencies and another for express flights, leaving nine available for general use.

This development follows Prime Minister Modi's 2019 approval of a 350-crore project to expand Surat Airport, which initially only had five parking spaces. The project included the construction of a new terminal building and the development of additional aircraft parking lots. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a survey and requested necessary reports before granting approval for the new apron spaces.

The increased parking capacity is expected to benefit both the airport and Surat residents. The airport will earn rental income from incoming flights, while the added competition among airlines may result in lower ticket fares. In the past, limited parking capacity forced several airlines to cease operations in Surat, leading to reduced options and higher fares for passengers.

With the new apron spaces approved, there is a possibility that airlines that once operated flights to and from Surat, such as IndiGo, may return. The additional spaces could also attract new airlines to the city, further expanding travel options for Surat residents.