Surat: Panic spread for a short time at Surat International Airport this afternoon after a sudden fire broke out in the grassy area near the runway. The blaze prompted an immediate emergency response, with fire engines rushing to the spot and attempting to douse the flames with water.

The incident occurred just before the takeoff of Air India Express flight IX 1123 from Surat to Delhi, which was already on the runway. Fortunately, the fire was brought under control quickly, and runway operations resumed shortly after. However, flight IX 1123 was delayed by 2 hours and 51 minutes, and three other flights, including a helicopter, had to be diverted.

The fire broke out in the grassy area close to the runway, making it unsafe for any aircraft to take off or land. As a result, incoming flights had to circle in the air before being rerouted to alternative airports.

Airport Director Anand Sharma confirmed that the fire was likely sparked by a gas gun used to deter bird strikes. Sparks from the gas gun ignited dry grass in the operational area around 1:30 PM. To prevent the fire from spreading to the runway, authorities immediately shut down operations until around 2:45 PM.

Normal flight operations have since resumed, and no casualties or damage to aircraft were reported. DeshGujarat