Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Soars to New Heights in 2023
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Passenger Records and Surges
In the bustling city of Ahmedabad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has not only been a source of local pride but has also grabbed national and international attention for a slew of remarkable achievements and additions in the year 2023. Chief among these is the record-breaking influx of passengers, with a staggering 42,224 individuals passing through the airport on a single day during the Cricket World Cup final matches. This marked a three-day streak of the highest passenger movement. Notably, on November 20th, the airport set a new record for the highest number of passengers in a single day, coinciding with another achievement on November 19th when SVPI witnessed an unprecedented 359 aircraft movements in 24 hours. Adding to the list of accolades, the airport logged the highest-ever non-scheduled flight movements with a notable 99 flights.
These exceptional accomplishments are the direct outcomes of ongoing infrastructure updates and continuous improvements at SVPI Airport. They stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of all airport personnel, including AAI, CISF, Immigration, Customs, airline partners, and the SVPI airport team.
Infrastructure Enhancements for Passenger Comfort
Ensuring the convenience and comfort of passengers requires a commitment to continuous upgrades and improvements in infrastructure. This year, SVPI Airport prioritized the development, upgrade, and utilization of its facilities. The domestic terminal witnessed several introductions, including a new security check area that increased space by 50%, expanded seating capacity, and the addition of extra X-ray machines and metal detectors. Embracing technology for enhanced security, the introduction of new E-gates aimed to streamline the passenger screening process.
Outside the domestic terminals, new drop-off and pick-up areas were developed and put into operation. The expansion transformed the previous two-lane setup into a more accommodating six-lane system, accompanied by larger parking spaces, increased seating areas, and multiple refreshment options for waiting friends and relatives.
Furthermore, to enhance the seamless passenger experience, the airport introduced domestic-to-domestic and international-to-international transfer facilities. These additions not only reduce processing time in necessary security checks but also streamline other protocols, contributing to an overall smoother journey for passengers.
Infrastructure upgrades in the international terminal played a pivotal role in supporting increased international passenger and airline movements. The introduction of a new immigration arrivals section, spanning an expansive 2550 sqm area, featured 24 state-of-the-art immigration counters adorned with depictions of the city’s art, culture, and skyline. This expansion aimed to ensure a more efficient arrival experience for the millions of passengers passing through the airport annually. Simultaneously, a new departure immigration area was developed and opened to further facilitate passenger movement.
Airline Expansion and Connectivity
The year 2023 saw the addition of new airlines, enriching the international destinations accessible from Ahmedabad airport. Fly Bagdad and Thai Airasia commenced operations, with Viet Jet offering daily flights connecting two destinations in Vietnam and Fly Bagdad establishing a direct link to Najaf twice a week. Thai AirAsia contributed to the expansion by connecting to Don Nueang three times a week. Additionally, existing airlines increased their frequency and routes during the year.
Malaysia Airlines launched a direct flight to Kuala Lumpur with four weekly frequencies, while Turkish Airlines initiated freighter operations. Other carriers introduced new sectors connecting Ahmedabad to Pantnagar, Srinagar, Diu, Jaisalmer, and Agartala via Kolkata, Durgapur via Delhi, Coimbatore via Hyderabad and Chennai, Visakhapatnam via Hyderabad, and Port Blair via Chennai. Furthermore, there was an increase in frequency to Nashik, Goa-MOPA, Pune, Kolkata, and Lucknow.
Ahmedabad Airport: The Hub for International Events
Ahmedabad Airport took centre stage in 2023 as the primary connecting point for various international events, including G20 meetings and the Cricket World Cup. This continued focus on infrastructure upgrading and improved connectivity reflects the airport’s commitment to being an integral part of Gujarat’s growth story.
As we reflect on the year gone by, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport emerges as more than just a transportation hub. It stands as a symbol of progress, efficiency, and a commitment to providing world-class facilities to its passengers. The achievements of 2023, from record-breaking passenger numbers to extensive infrastructure enhancements and increased airline connectivity, position Ahmedabad’s pride as a key player in the global aviation landscape.
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