Surat: Daman is set to get a major connectivity boost with a newly built civil airport worth Rs 97 crore expected to be inaugurated in early June, likely by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first commercial flight from the airport is expected to operate on the Daman–Delhi route.

Built across a 1.01 lakh square metre area, the airport features a modern terminal spread over 5,460 square metres with contemporary passenger facilities. Officials said the waiting area can accommodate up to 180 passengers and includes a VIP lounge with a capacity for 16 people.

The terminal has 12 check-in counters, with provisions to expand the number to 16 in the future. The apron can accommodate two A320-sized aircraft, while parking space has been created for 57 vehicles.

The new airport in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu will initially offer connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, improving travel access for tourists and industries in South Gujarat. Services to Mumbai and Ahmedabad are expected to begin shortly after operations commence.

Earlier, Daman only had an airstrip operated by the Indian Coast Guard. Once the new airport becomes fully operational, its operations and maintenance will be handled by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), officials said.

It is learnt that Alliance Air is expected to operate flights on the Daman–Delhi route and the Mumbai–Daman–Ahmedabad sector. Authorities are currently awaiting confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the inauguration date. DeshGujarat