Ahmedabad: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in Ahmedabad is currently witnessing increased activity in the form of chartered aircraft. This surge is expected to escalate in October due to the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup matches scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad. The SVPI Airport is preparing for an anticipated 30% rise in non-scheduled charter aircraft movements during the month, as reported by aviation industry insiders.

Sources indicate that the SVPI Airport is likely to experience approximately 650 non-scheduled charter aircraft movements throughout October. This uptick in activity is attributed to two significant ICC Cricket World Cup matches scheduled in Gujarat during October: the opening encounter between England and New Zealand on October 5 and the highly anticipated face-off between India and Pakistan on October 14. With political figures, business magnates, celebrities, and sports enthusiasts expected to converge on Ahmedabad for these matches, there is a considerable growth expected in charter aircraft traffic.

The presence of Bollywood stars, sports celebrities, business tycoons, political leaders, and ministers at the ICC Cricket World Cup matches is further driving the demand for private jet travel.

The Ahmedabad airport is well-prepared for the expected increase in aircraft movements, boasting approximately 43 aircraft parking stands. According to sources, charter aircraft movements had already reached 500 by September 27, averaging around 17 flights per day. Notably, the airport handled as many as 35 aircraft movements in a single day in September.

An airport source mentioned, “Queries for aircraft slots and availability are pouring in from various quarters, and the general aviation terminal’s capacity is being optimally utilized.”

During the 2022 assembly elections in Gujarat, the city airport managed the movement of up to 79 charter aircraft in a single day. According to reports, Vadodara and Surat airports are also under consideration as alternative options for temporarily parking of aircrafts during busy match and event days. DeshGujarat