Dr Hemang Joshi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) representing Vadodara, has requested Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to begin international flights from Vadodara Airport.
This appeal comes eight years after the inauguration of the new Integrated Terminal Building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016.
The new terminal, constructed at a cost of Rs 160 crore, has improved passenger facilities but still does not offer international flight services. Dr Joshi emphasised that the absence of international flights has been a longstanding concern for the business community and residents of six Central Gujarat districts. People visiting the Statue of Unity in Kevadia also use Vadodara Airport.
Vadodara Airport’s runway is capable of accommodating large cargo planes such as the Gajraj (IAF) and Hercules. Recently, the airport handled seven diverted flights, including two international ones, due to adverse weather conditions and low visibility. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Vadodara Airport demonstrated its ability to manage international flight operations.
Despite being just a two-hour drive (113.7 km) from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI), Vadodara residents predominantly choose SVPI for international travel. Additionally, Vadodara lies approximately three hours away from Surat, where international flights to the UAE operate. This unique geographical position has led operators to favour SVPI over Vadodara for better traffic.
However, Dr Joshi remains optimistic about Vadodara Airport’s standalone potential. He believes that launching international flights would not only benefit Vadodara but also attract passengers from Ahmedabad, Surat, and neighbouring regions.
Vadodara has M. S. University of Baroda, a university of international repute, a pharma company like Alembic and other big industries.
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