Surat: Surat International Airport on Sunday announced the data about the growth it has seen in passenger traffic and infrastructure over the past decade. Airport authorities highlighted that annual passenger traffic has increased nearly 13-fold in the last 12 years, in what they say has turned Surat Airport into one of the fastest-growing aviation hubs in the region.

As part of the celebrations marking Passenger Facilitation Day on Monday, passengers were welcomed in keeping with Indian traditions. Programmes such as a blood donation camp, eye check-up camp and tree plantation drive have also been planned.

Surat Airport Director A.N. Sharma said the airport has witnessed a significant turnaround over the last decade. Passenger traffic, which stood at 1,35,627 in 2014-15, rose to 18,17,233 in 2025-26. From being served by only two airlines in 2014, the airport is now directly connected to 15 major domestic and international destinations.

The airport’s infrastructure has also expanded substantially. While it could handle only 240 passengers per hour during peak periods earlier, its capacity has now increased to 1,800 passengers per hour. The number of aircraft parking bays has grown from five to 22.

The new terminal building, inspired by the historic architecture of Rander, has received a GRIHA 4-star rating. Surat Airport has also emerged as a model for environmental sustainability, operating entirely on 100 per cent green energy. Its annual consumption of 9.21 million units of solar power helps prevent the emission of approximately 591 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

The airport director also appealed to residents not to use high-powered lasers or flashlights directed towards the sky during weddings and social events in areas such as Vesu, Dumas and Sultanabad near the airport. He said such bright lights can interfere with pilots’ visibility during night-time take-offs and landings, posing serious safety risks. DeshGujarat