Ahmedabad: Passengers at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport in the city went through a bit of trouble this Monday as Cab Taxi and the Rickshaw Association halted their operations there. The association made this decision due to disagreements and clashes with airport management and airport security about the relocation of parking facilities from the domestic terminal to the international terminal.

Past incidents have witnessed clashes between Ahmedabad Airport security staff and the association, prompting intervention from the airport police.

The latest clash ensued after airport management issued a notice stating that taxis and rickshaws must park at the international terminal’s parking lot instead of the domestic terminal, effective December 18.

Approximately 500 cab taxis and 350 autorickshaws, divided among three associations, operate at Ahmedabad Airport. Following the clash with security staff, all vehicles suspended their services. Despite efforts by the airport management to reach a compromise, no resolution was achieved.

Association officials voiced their protest against the parking relocation, highlighting that passengers would now have to walk a kilometre to find a taxi.

“Furthermore, there is talk about the introduction of a new private taxi service at Terminal 1, which poses a threat to our livelihood,” an association official told the media.

Numerous passengers reported difficulties in finding transportation.

According to airport sources, passengers have complained about intense competition among taxi operators and inaccurate information concerning infrastructure advancements. DeshGujarat