Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in the city witnessed significant infrastructure development with the commissioning of two Code C parallel taxiways, Romeo (R) and Romeo 1 (R1). The taxiways, inaugurated on Wednesday, became operational this morning.

“The introduction of Taxiway R and Taxiway R1 will significantly enhance the airport’s operational efficiency and safety, as well as increase runway capacity. The recently inaugurated parallel taxiways will enhance runway capacity and reduce air traffic congestion across the airfield, a significant milestone toward making SVPIA a world-class airport,” the airport operator said in a statement.

The addition of taxiway infrastructure complies with the standards of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), ensuring alignment with global aviation benchmarks. The commissioning of Taxiway R and Taxiway R1 reinforces SVPIA’s vision to build future-ready airport infrastructure that meets the growing needs of passengers and airlines.

Parallel Taxiway R: With a length of 1,126 meters, this taxiway can accommodate all Code C aircraft. It connects further with the existing Code E parallel taxiway P. Currently, all departing aircraft must backtrack on the runway for approximately 2–3 minutes to line up for departure on Runway 23. This time remains the same for arriving aircraft to vacate Runway 05. Taxiway R and Taxiway R1 will ensure that Code C aircraft can quickly enter and exit either runway, significantly reducing runway occupancy time, optimising operations, and enhancing safety. With the operationalisation of the new taxiways, all Code C aircraft such as the A320, B737 and business jets, which constitute 95 percent of the traffic operating at Ahmedabad, will use the parallel taxiway.

Taxiway R1: This taxiway, which connects Taxiway R with the runway, provides direct access to Runway 05/23 and optimised flow during peak operations.

Runway Capacity Enhancement: Currently, the runway capacity is 20 air traffic movements (ATMs) per hour. The addition of Taxiways R and R1 will significantly increase runway capacity to 28 ATMs per hour.

Both taxiways incorporate modern lighting systems and upgraded safety signs, and have undergone comprehensive engineering and safety audits. The commissioning of these taxiways will also have safety and environmental advantages, including:

• Enhanced safety by eliminating backtrack on runways, bringing consistency in ATM sequencing for arrivals and departures.
• Improved on-time performance (OTP) of aircraft and a better passenger experience.
• Significantly reduced wait time on taxiways for aircraft on ground, and reduced holding delays for aircraft in the air, which contributes to less fuel burn, a reduction in carbon emissions, and savings for airlines.
• Optimised allocation of aircraft parking stands to facilitate faster aircraft turnaround, allowing for more slots for airlines and a wider choice for air travellers.

As per an official statement, “With over 7.8 million passengers travelling during the period April to October 2025 — a 7 percent year-on-year growth — the airport continues to strengthen its role as a key regional aviation hub.”