Ahmedabad airport gears up for National Games, DefExpo 2022

AHMEDABAD: Anticipating increased footfall at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport in Ahmedabad from September-end ahead of National Games and DefExpo 2022, the airport operator is gearing up for major renovations at the domestic and international terminals, said sources.
It includes revamping the parking space - the capacity of the parking area is being increased by a significant 26%. Against the capacity to accommodate 450 cars, the revamped space will be able to accommodate 570 cars.
"The new parking area will have dedicated lanes for different vehicles for better passenger experience. An arrival plaza will also come up adjacent to the terminal. The new parking facility will have a canopy extending up to the terminal building for passenger convenience," an SVPI airport spokesperson said.
Work is underway and is expected to be completed by the end of this month, said a source privy to the development. The newly refurbished taxi parking area has space for 250 cars. The area has a dedicated canopy extending from Terminal 1 to the taxi pick-up points, the spokesperson further said.
The new parking facility will also have a dedicated bus parking space near the domestic and international terminals. SVPI airport authorities had revised the parking charges in April 2021 and there is no plan to revise them further, said sources.
Some 6.15 lakh passengers - both domestic and international travellers - transited from the SVPI airport in Ahmedabad in July this year, according to air passenger traffic data compiled by the Airports Authority of India.
In addition to extra parking spaces at SVPI airport, both international as well as domestic terminals are undergoing renovations. To manage passenger rush, two more baggage belts are coming up at the domestic terminal in the arrival area. "At present, two of the three baggage belts are fully operational. The third will be repaired and operationalized with necessary replacements. An additional baggage belt will also be installed," a source told TOI.
The city airport operationalized its general aviation terminal last year which is expected to witness increased movement of chartered aircraft during DefExpo 2022. Some 43 aircraft parking stands have also been built at the city airport. Business lounges are also expected to be set up exclusively for the defence expo guests, according to sources.