Surat: With tensions escalating at the India-Pakistan border, Surat International Airport has commenced 24-hour operations on all weekdays, airport authorities confirmed on Friday.

Earlier, the airport operated from 7:20 am to 11:05 pm. Now, the round-the-clock operations have been approved for an initial period of 90 days, primarily to accommodate aircraft displaced due to the temporary closure of other airports amid the current situation. A total of 32 airports across western and northern India have been shut down, including eight in Gujarat. An official stated that the airport has sufficient infrastructure in place, with three Air Traffic Control (ATC) officers deployed to manage the extended hours.

“There is demand for night-time slots, but we were previously unable to accommodate them due to limited operating hours. Now, we expect several airlines to seek approval for night operations,” the official added. The airport’s runway is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS), enabling safe landings at night, and further upgrades are in progress.

To ensure strict security arrangements, the leave of all CISF personnel has been canceled, and they have been ordered to report for duty. Approximately 400 personnel are currently deployed at Surat International Airport, all of whom have been instructed to remain on high alert and available for immediate duty. DeshGujarat