With an increase of 72% revenue, Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel International airport has recorded an increase of over 100% in surplus in a span of five years.
As per numbers shared by airport officials, in 2013-14, the revenue was Rs 217.92 crores which shot up to Rs 375.67 crores in 2017-18. As far as surplus is concerned, the difference was of nearly 62 crores increase in a span of five years.
The airport officials credit a massive increase in passenger movements and aviation traffic from Gujarat. The city airport, for many years, was at the receiving end of criticism over basic facilities like toilets as well as the quality of seats.
In 2016, the Ahmedabad chapter of Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) had taken up the issue of drafting their concerns to the then airport director. The members had then said, "A number of issues will continue to plague Ahmedabad airport due to privatisation of some of the airports. Passengers are becoming increasingly discerning. They are enjoying all the facilities and benefits that they are getting at the private airports. It is only reasonable for air passengers to expect the same level of facilities at leading airports like Ahmedabad."
However, the city airport has undergone massive changes — in terms of decreased number of bird hits, major development plan being undertaken, etc — over last one year. Manoj Gangal, Airport director, SVPI said, "There has been an increase in aircraft movement as well as an increase in non-aero revenue from stores at airport, car parking, advertisement rights, etc. Revenue will shoot up again in the current financial year with upcoming food court, lounge facility, a number of restaurants at terminal 1 and terminal 2. By the end of this year, we will have 19 more aircraft parking stands which would enable us to provide a number of flights and diverse connectivity."
Recently, the airport was also awarded by the Airports Council International in the category of most improved airports by region. A frequent traveller Paresh Shah said, "Queues have vanished from the departure terminal but the cab issue has still not being solved. If they pay some attention to cabs, it will help passengers. Also, there is a need for a good business lounge."
Changes at city airport in last year
- New flight information display system
- Self check-in counters
- Additional gates
- Doubling up seating capacity
