Surat International Airport, the newly inaugurated terminal has yet to offer basic amenities for international travellers. The revamp, which was completed eight months ago, promised modern facilities but has fallen short in critical areas such as food and beverage services, retail options, and even basic necessities like a smoking room.
The new terminal, which was officially opened with much fanfare, was designed to include food and beverage outlets spanning 230 square metres and retail spaces of 245 square metres. However, international passengers—numbering over 11,000 each month—continue to face a lack of these essential services. The absence of a smoking room has also led to frequent disputes between travellers and airport staff. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has yet to approve the floor plan for the terminal wings, which were added to either side of the existing building. This delay stems from design flaws identified by BCAS, particularly concerning emergency exits. Despite multiple revisions and site inspections by BCAS teams, approval for the floor plan remains pending, stalling the opening of planned facilities.
A frequent flyer who travels regularly to Dubai expressed frustration, stating, “When the new terminal was inaugurated in December, I anticipated an upgrade to international standards. Instead, there are no food or beverage options available, and even basic amenities like a smoking room are missing.” Currently, Air India Express and IndiGo operate flights to Dubai and Sharjah from Surat, serving a considerable volume of international passengers. These travellers, who pay an airport use fee included in their ticket price, are left with inadequate facilities.
An RTI query has revealed that the terminal’s floor plan is still awaiting BCAS approval. Sources at Surat Airport confirmed that changes have been made as per BCAS’s recommendations, but issues with emergency exit configurations remain unresolved. The airport director could not be reached for comment on the ongoing situation. The substantial financial outlay for the Surat airport’s upgrade has not translated into improved passenger services, underscoring a significant gap between investment and operational readiness. As the airport continues to grapple with these challenges, travellers remain hopeful for timely resolution and the provision of promised amenities.
