Vadodara: Several international flights operate from Vadodara Airport, and with the increase in passenger footfall, the security hold area of the airport is now being expanded. Soon, there will be a separate security hold area for international and domestic passengers.

According to airport management, various airports, including Vadodara Airport, have been advised to increase passenger capacity by the Delhi headquarters of the Airport Authority of India (AAI).

The security hold area at Vadodara Airport can accommodate 1350 passengers during peak hours. Congestion will surge as more international flights start or domestic flights increase. To address this issue, the viewing gallery above the airport will be extended to the front, and a floor facility will be created. Following this, the security hold area will span the ground floor plus one additional floor. A proposal has been prepared and sent to the headquarters. The airport director mentioned that the estimated cost of the work is likely to be above 10 crores. The work is scheduled to start in February and is expected to last for one year.

A chocolate store will be opened in the security hall area of the airport, offering chocolates from both domestic and international sources. Additionally, a tender has been floated for setting up a tea stall in the area near the driver departure known as the city area for passenger pick-up and drop-off at the airport.

Pradeep Dobriyal, Director of Vadodara Airport, stated that the visitors’ facility may be closed in the near future due to security reasons. Currently, relatives are allowed to enter the airport with the passenger for a fee of Rs. 50. Passengers can go to the visitors’ area, but this may change soon. DeshGujarat