Runways Of Ahmedabad Airport: A Comprehensive Overview

Ahmedabad Airport, officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, has a single runway. The runway, designated 5/23, is 3,489–3,505 metres (11,449 ft) long and 46 metres wide. It is surfaced with concrete and asphalt. In 2022, the airport completed re-carpeting work on the runway in just 75 days, a record for brownfield runways in India.

Ahmedabad Airport has a single runway

Ahmedabad Airport, officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, has a single runway. The runway is 3,489 or 3,505 metres long (approximately 11,499 feet) and 46 metres wide. It is surfaced with concrete and asphalt.

The airport, located in Hansol, 9 kilometres north of Central Ahmedabad, is named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India. It is the busiest and largest airport in the state of Gujarat and the seventh busiest airport in India, handling over 11 million passengers in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

Ahmedabad Airport consists of four terminals: domestic, international, an additional terminal for secondary traffic, and a cargo terminal. The airport has 45 parking bays, and both the international and domestic terminals have four aero-bridges each.

In 2022, the airport underwent significant enhancements, including the resurfacing of its runway. The project was completed in a record time of 75 days, an impressive feat considering other Indian airports with more time or an additional runway. The new runway features improved drainage and a bidirectional slope, enhancing the airport's functionality and safety.

The single runway at Ahmedabad Airport supports a high volume of air traffic, contributing to the airport's busy status. The efficient management of this runway, along with the recent upgrades, showcases the airport's ability to handle increasing passenger demand and maintain its position as a crucial aviation hub in the region.

The runway is 3,505 metres long

Ahmedabad Airport, officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, has a runway that stretches an impressive 3,505 metres. To put that into context, this length is equivalent to just under 35 football fields!

The runway's length is a critical factor in ensuring the safe take-off and landing of aircraft. It provides the necessary distance for planes to accelerate to reach the required speed for take-off, and it offers a sufficient buffer for planes to slow down and come to a complete stop during landing. This runway length is designed to accommodate a wide range of aircraft, from small private planes to large commercial jets.

The process of resurfacing such a substantial runway is a complex and time-consuming task. In 2022, Ahmedabad Airport completed the re-carpeting of its runway in a record-breaking 75 days, an achievement among brownfield runways in India. The previous runway surface was replaced with a fresh layer of asphalt, equivalent to covering a 200-kilometre stretch of road. This upgrade ensures a smoother and safer surface for aircraft operations.

The runway's length also has implications for the types of aircraft that can utilise the airport. Typically, larger aircraft, such as long-haul commercial jets, require longer runways due to their higher take-off and landing speeds and greater distance requirements. Ahmedabad Airport's runway length of 3,505 metres enables it to accommodate a diverse range of aircraft, making it a versatile aviation hub.

The airport has 2 passenger terminals

Ahmedabad Airport, officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is used for domestic flights and has 32 check-in counters, 3 boarding gates, and 30 baggage reclaim counters. It covers an area of 45,000 square metres and provides 250 car parking spaces. Terminal 2 is used for international flights and covers an area of 7,825 square metres. It has 32 check-in counters, 6 immigration counters, 2 customs counters, and 2 luggage belts. Terminal 2 provides 200 car parking spaces.

Both terminals have four aero-bridges each, and there is a half-kilometre-long moving walkway connecting them. The airport also has a cargo terminal, with operations consisting of 44% domestic and 56% international air freight.

In 2010, a new Terminal 2 was inaugurated for handling international passengers, and a new Terminal 3 was also recently built. Terminal 3 has been designed based on Singapore Changi Airport and covers an area of 41,000 square metres, accommodating 1,600 passengers. It has four aero-bridges and 32 check-in counters, with 900 car parking spaces available.

The airport is currently undergoing further expansion to increase its passenger capacity, with the addition of a third passenger terminal planned. This will be located beside Terminal 1, and the current cargo terminal will be shifted beside Terminal 2.

Terminal 1 is for domestic flights

Ahmedabad Airport, officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, is an important aviation hub in Gujarat, India. The airport currently consists of four terminals: a domestic terminal, an international terminal, a secondary terminal, and a cargo terminal. Terminal 1 is for domestic flights.

Terminal 1 is dedicated to domestic operations within India. The terminal has two floors, with the ground floor accommodating three boarding gates, and the first floor (also known as Level 1) featuring 30 check-in counters and an area for baggage reclaim. The domestic terminal also offers various amenities for travellers, including eateries, retail outlets, bookshops, and a VIP lounge. The arrivals section consists of three luggage belts and ground transport desks.

In addition to the passenger facilities, Terminal 1 also provides essential infrastructure for flight operations. The terminal has 32 check-in counters and covers an area of 45,000 square metres (480,000 square feet). To accommodate the parking needs of travellers, Terminal 1 provides 250 car parking spaces. Furthermore, construction work is underway to expand the parking facilities, with plans to increase the number of parking bays at the airport from 15 to 45.

The efficient design of Terminal 1 ensures a smooth flow of passenger traffic. The terminal is equipped to handle a significant volume of travellers, with a capacity to accommodate 500 passengers. This capacity is further enhanced by the presence of four aero-bridges, which facilitate the seamless movement of passengers between the terminal and the aircraft.

In December 2018, Terminal 1 underwent an enhancement with the opening of a new Plaza Premium lounge. This lounge, accessible near Gate 4 on the first floor, caters to a range of travellers, including those with Priority Pass and select bank cards, as well as some business class passengers. The availability of this lounge adds to the convenience and comfort of domestic travellers passing through Terminal 1.

Terminal 2 is for international flights

Ahmedabad Airport, officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, is located in Hansol, 9km north of central Ahmedabad. The airport is named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of India.

In November 2018, a new Plaza Premium lounge was opened at the international departures area of Terminal 2. The lounge caters to business class and first-class passengers, as well as passengers holding Priority Pass and other eligible bank cards.

The airport has undergone several improvements to keep up with the growing travel demands. In 2022, a new runway was completed in a record time of 75 days. The new runway is 3.5km long and 45m wide. The airport currently consists of four terminals: domestic, international, an additional terminal for secondary traffic, and a cargo terminal. The airport has a single runway, designated 5/23, and is the busiest airport in the state of Gujarat.

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