Surat Airport Set for Major Connectivity Boost with Three New Flight Services
Air connectivity from Surat is poised for significant enhancement as three new flights are expected to be launched in the upcoming summer schedule commencing March 30. This development promises to transform travel options for residents of the diamond city and surrounding regions.
New Flight Routes and Operational Details
According to reliable sources familiar with the aviation sector, the new flights have received approval for three crucial destinations: Noida (Jewar), Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai International Airport. These additions will substantially improve connectivity for Surtis, particularly facilitating easier access to multiple international destinations through these major aviation hubs.
The flight to Noida (Jewar) will operate as a daily service managed by IndiGo Airlines. This service is scheduled to arrive at Surat Airport at 10:00 PM, with departure for Noida (Jewar) International Airport set for 10:30 PM after passenger disembarkation procedures.
A second flight service to Navi Mumbai is likely to be operated by Star Air, functioning five days each week specifically on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th days of operational cycles. This flight will arrive in Surat at 10:45 AM and subsequently depart for Navi Mumbai at 1:10 PM.
The third flight service will connect Surat with Mumbai International Airport, departing early in the morning from Surat. Aviation authorities are currently in the final stages of determining the precise timing for this service, according to sources involved in the planning process.
Mumbai Route Revival After Four-Year Hiatus
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this development is Surat's reconnection with Mumbai after an absence of nearly four years. This restoration comes as substantial relief for Surtis who have consistently advocated for the resumption of Mumbai flights.
The Surat-Mumbai route experienced a dramatic decline in recent years, with only 382 passengers recorded during the 2023-24 period before operations ceased entirely. This contrasts sharply with the route's historical performance during its peak years.
During the 2018-19 period, passenger traffic between Surat and Mumbai reached an impressive 84,070 travelers. The route maintained strong performance in adjacent years as well, with passenger numbers exceeding 50,000 during both 2017-18 and 2019-20. Aviation experts and enthusiasts have welcomed the return of Mumbai flights as a landmark development for regional connectivity.
Industry Perspectives and Future Projections
Rajesh Modi, an aviation industry analyst, commented on the significance of these developments: "The commencement of flights to two new greenfield airports—Navi Mumbai and Noida (Jewar)—represents a transformative moment for Surat Airport. This establishes a crucial gateway for the city, substantially strengthening domestic connectivity while simultaneously creating pathways for potential future international connections. With this positive momentum, Surat Airport's passenger traffic appears firmly positioned to surpass the 20-lakh milestone by 2026."
Linesh Shah, another aviation sector observer, provided additional context regarding ground transportation impacts: "Currently, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles travel daily to Mumbai airport and the city from Surat and surrounding areas. The initiation of new flights to both Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will provide welcome relief for hundreds of Surtis who currently have no alternative to road travel for reaching these destinations."
These new flight services collectively represent a substantial upgrade to Surat's aviation infrastructure, addressing long-standing connectivity gaps while positioning the city for enhanced economic and travel opportunities in the coming years.
