Passenger Traffic at Surat Airport Peaks at 18.14 Lakh in 2025-26

Surat: Surat International Airport has witnessed its all-time high in passenger traffic, recording 18,14,572 passengers during the 2025–26 financial year. This milestone marks a significant increase from 17.24 lakh passengers in 2024–25, indicating that the city’s demand for air travel continues to surge despite limited flight options and geopolitical challenges.

Growth by the Numbers

According to the latest data, the airport handled 16,06,882 domestic passengers and 2,07,690 international passengers between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. This consistent growth, averaging an addition of 2 to 3 lakh passengers annually, has led to Surtis calling for a proportional increase in flight frequencies.

Additionally, the airport’s cargo operations remained vital to local industries, handling 1,430.80 metric tonnes of cargo during the same period.

International Connectivity Under Strain

The robust year was not without its challenges. International travel saw a sharp decline toward the end of the fiscal year due to the Middle East crisis. Tensions in the Gulf region led to the suspension of flights to Sharjah and Dubai in March, causing international passenger numbers for that month to drop to just 7,412, most of whom were travelling on the Bangkok route.

Experts noted that the record is particularly impressive given that the airport faced significant flight cancellations in December due to an IndiGo-related crisis and in March due to the Iran war. There are currently concerns that the remaining international connection to Bangkok via Air India Express may also face suspension, which locals warn could severely impact the city’s global connectivity.

A Demand-Supply Gap

Another set of data reflects that more people are choosing air travel, as passenger numbers have reached new highs even though total flight movements have nearly halved since the pre-COVID era, dropping from an average of 52 daily movements to just 28. Airlines have also reduced or discontinued sectors such as Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Delhi, and Goa.

The local business community has voiced concerns. During a meeting with Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Linesh Shah, chairman of the SGCCI aviation committee, emphasised the need to include Surat in bilateral aviation agreements to facilitate more international operations. Industry leaders believe it is now time for authorities and airlines to match Surat’s proven demand with increased capacity and vision. DeshGujarat