Surat Takes Off: SpiceJet Prepares for Direct Dubai Flights as International Travel Booms

Surat : Surat's international air travel is soaring, with passenger numbers nearly doubling in a year, and now SpiceJet Airlines is poised to join the Dubai route, further fueling this boom.

Air India Express' Sharjah-Surat-Sharjah and Surat-Dubai-Surat flights have been a resounding success, consistently reaching close to 90% occupancy. This strong demand has prompted SpiceJet to announce its own plans for a Surat-Dubai-Surat service, promising an official launch announcement soon.

"Considering the passenger load of Air India Express Airlines' flights, we are also planning Dubai-Surat-Dubai flights," said a SpiceJet representative. "We will announce the details soon."

This surge in international travel from Surat reflects a vibrant local economy and growing appetite for global connections. In just 12 months, passenger numbers at Surat International Airport have jumped from 4,107 to 7,349, signifying a remarkable 79% increase.

While the news of SpiceJet's upcoming Dubai flights is exciting, the report also mentions disruptions caused by Thursday's fog. Several flights from Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Goa, Jaipur, and Pune faced delays due to the adverse weather conditions. Indigo's Delhi flight to Surat was the worst affected, delayed by a considerable 3.30 hours.

Despite this temporary setback, the overall picture for Surat's international air travel remains bright. With strong passenger demand and airlines like SpiceJet eager to enter the market, Surat is poised to become a key hub for international travel in Western India.