NGO seeks 24×7 domestic connectivity, more international flights from Surat

The delegation stated that since Surat has a vastly developed diamond and textile business, which attracts many investors to the town, the airport should be made functional round the clock.

The committee delegation included Paresh Patel, who is a former standing committee chairman of Surat Municipal Corporation, besides Suresh Agrawal, Keval Shah, and Keyur Kheni.

The delegation said Surat requires daily air connectivity to Mumbai. In the absence of air connectivity, the international buyers have to first come to Mumbai before taking a train to Surat and finally reaching the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB). “It is risky for these travellers to move around with such high-value items,” one of the members of the delegation said, adding that while Surat is the manufacturing hub of diamonds, Mumbai is the trading hub, which is why it is necessary that both cities remain interconnected.

At present, the Surat airport remains shut from midnight to 6am for domestic flights. Meanwhile, international flights are operational from 11 pm to 2 am.

Four international airlines are ready to start their operations from Surat, but they are facing the problem of “point of call” for global carriers, the delegation said. If the government gives its nod to the point of call, these airlines are ready to start their operations from Surat, it added.

“Due to poor visibility, domestic flights are transferred from Surat to other destinations. Something should be done about it,” the delegation said. “Connectivity should be provided with Doha and Qatar, keeping business and trade relations in mind,” it added.

Talking to The Indian Express, MLA Desai said, “We have made representations to the aviation minister and he has assured us that he would work out all our requests and get the Surat airport domestic and international connectivity.”