Ahmedabad airport increases immigration counters

Passengers flying from the international terminal of Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel International airport (SVPI) will have a quick clearance while travelling abroad. With two new additional immigration counters in place, a total of 14 passengers will be able to clear at one go. The authorities have not only added new counters but have also changed the entire experience of immigration at the airport.

Speaking about the same, Manoj Gangal, Airport Director said, "We have recorded 45.14% of international passenger traffic growth. We are not only having more number of aircraft but also aircraft with larger capacity hence it becomes vital for us to improve the passenger experience. We have also changed the position of the immigration counters, they now face the check-in counters. It helps officials to see the passengers and the queue." Till now, the departure had 12 immigration counters, with two more, there are 14 immigration counters. In 2017-18, 18.50 lakh passengers travelled internationally whereas, in 2018-19, 26.92 lakh passengers travelled. "The immigration counters are also computerized as once the process is over, the passengers cross from an e-gate next to the counter", Gangal added.

Last year the authorities had upgraded the existing infrastructure by installing two new aerobridges with an idea to shift some domestic operations to the international terminal. Going in line with the heritage status of the city, a statue of Sardar Patel, traditional Jhula of Gujarat and a Chabutara was also installed at the international terminal.

Commenting on the same, a traveller and a resident of Amit Pandey said, "The city is witnessing more number of people travelling abroad. While it is good to increase capacity, the same should be increased at arrival too."

FACT FILE

11.14 mn – Passenger traffic From April 2018 to March 2019

15.53% – Domestic growth

45.14% – International growth