The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has withdrawn its request to acquire 25.33 acres of land for the Surat Airport Expansion Project, halting plans agreed upon in a December 2023 MoU with the Gujarat government. The proposed development included a CAT-1 approach lighting system and ASR-MSSR radar facility meant to enhance safety and navigation.
AAI officials told the Surat collector that the land was no longer needed, citing minimal disruptions from fog—just three diversions in a year—as the reason. They felt investing crores in CAT-1 was unjustified, considering the region’s relatively stable visibility compared to cities like Delhi or Amritsar. Consequently, the collectorate has paused all acquisition proceedings involving 20 landowners and a budget of INR 215 crore.
However, aviation experts raised alarms over the cancellation. Runway 22 remains shortened by 615 metres due to nearby illegal constructions, with safety concerns heightened by poor visibility during monsoons and industrial smoke from Hazira-Sachin. Experts argue that CAT-1 systems are crucial for reliable landings under such conditions and warn the decision may compromise passenger safety.
The ASR-MSSR radar system, which aids air traffic control, will also be shelved. With this reversal, Surat’s long-term airport safety and connectivity prospects now face uncertainty.
