Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI) is set to launch direct flights to Colombo and Baku, offering travellers from Gujarat easier access to popular tourism and business destinations across South Asia, the Caucasus and Southeast Asia. Industry stakeholders said the new routes come amid rising demand for outbound travel from Gujarat and are expected to reduce reliance on connecting flights from Mumbai and Delhi. The additions are also likely to boost passenger traffic at Ahmedabad airport.
Bhavesh Mangalani, managing partner at a city travel firm, said, “Baku and Colombo are among the most sought-after destinations. This year, summer travel has remained weak due to airspace closures, fewer flights and apprehension around travel amid geopolitical tensions. Therefore, direct flights to these sought-after short-haul destinations will provide good alternatives to travellers over long-weekend breaks.”
While direct flights to Colombo are beginning this week, those to Baku and Phuket are expected to be operational shortly.
“Both Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan are in demand. Pricing remains a major factor for customers due to rising airfares. People are willing to travel, but airfares have increased significantly over the past few years. At the same time, corporate travel has resumed, which is supporting overall demand,” said Virendra Shah, former chairperson of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Gujarat chapter.
According to tour operators, the demand for short-haul international destinations has picked up in recent weeks, with inquiries and advance bookings showing positive trends ahead of the festive season.
“Following the easing of geopolitical tensions in West Asia, travel inquiries have increased. We are witnessing strong interest for destinations such as Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka, particularly for travel during the latter half of the year. These are relatively nearby destinations with shorter travel times, which makes them attractive to families and leisure travellers,” said Manish Sharma, owner of a city travel firm.
He added that bookings remain healthy and are expected to continue through October, supported by positive consumer sentiment and planning for Diwali holidays.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Ahmedabad | Silver Rate in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Petrol Price in Ahmedabad | Diesel Price in Ahmedabad | CNG Price in Ahmedabad | LPG Price in Ahmedabad
Stay updated with the latest Ahmedabad news. Download the TOI App.
