Rajkot to Get International Flights Soon: Dubai Flight Expected
Rajkot Set to Launch International Flights Soon
Rajkot is on the brink of launching its first international flights. The new terminal at Rajkot International Airport is nearing completion, with counters for international immigration and customs already set up. The first international flight is anticipated to be to Dubai, which would significantly boost the region’s connectivity and development.
According to sources from Rajkot Airport Authority, 12 immigration desks and 16 arrival counters have been prepared for international departures and arrivals, respectively. A letter has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting the designation of Rajkot International Airport as an immigration checkpoint. Additionally, a request was sent to the Ministry of Finance in July 2024 to officially designate the airport as a customs facility, with one customs counter each for arrivals and departures already established.
Current Flight Schedule and Future Plans
Currently, Rajkot International Airport operates 12 flights daily, including routes to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Surat. Flights to Goa and Pune operate three times a week, while the Ahmedabad flight departs six days a week. Starting from October 27 through March 29, the winter schedule will include 16 flights, with 13 operating daily. Specific schedules include Pune flights at 5:05 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, Delhi flights at 8:00 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and additional Delhi flights at 8:30 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Announcement of Resuming Delhi Flight
Currently, flights from Rajkot International Airport are operated by IndiGo and Air India. IndiGo operates nine flights, while Air India operates three, covering destinations like Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Pune. Additionally, there is one chartered flight to Surat. Air India has announced the resumption of its morning flight to Delhi, which had been discontinued for some time. This flight will start operating again from October 27th. The flight will arrive in Rajkot at 6:55 AM and depart for Delhi at 7:35 AM, offering passengers the convenience of an early morning flight to the capital.
Furthermore, from October 2024 to March 2025, Star Air Airlines is seeking approval to operate flights from Rajkot to Ahmedabad and Vadodara. These flights are scheduled to arrive from Ahmedabad at 4:30 PM and depart for Vadodara at 5:00 PM. The return flight from Vadodara will arrive in Rajkot at 7:10 PM and depart for Ahmedabad at 7:40 PM. IndiGo has also announced the launch of a new flight to Hyderabad starting from September 16th, while a proposal has been submitted by the new Bengaluru-based Star
Flight Schedule from October 27th to March 29th
| Flight | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| AI 4023/4024 | Rajkot/Delhi | 6:55 AM – 7:35 AM |
| AI 659/688 | Rajkot/Mumbai | 7:55 AM – 8:40 AM |
| 6E 6467/6092 | Rajkot/Hyderabad | 8:20 AM – 8:50 AM |
| 6E 6133/6132 | Rajkot/Mumbai | 8:35 AM – 9:05 AM |
| 6E 5321/6259 | Rajkot/Mumbai | 11:40 AM – 12:10 PM |
| 6E 0154/0155 | Rajkot/Goa | 12:40 PM – 1:10 PM |
| 6E 6507/6508 | Rajkot/Bangalore | 2:45 PM – 3:25 PM |
| 6E 0135/6561 | Rajkot/Pune | 3:45 PM – 5:05 PM |
| S5 406/407 | Rajkot/Ahmedabad/Vadodara | 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
| AI 655/656 | Rajkot/Mumbai | 5:25 PM – 6:05 PM |
| 6E 2187/6279 | Rajkot/Delhi | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM |
| 6E 0274/0275 | Rajkot/Mumbai | 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM |
| S5 408/409 | Rajkot/Vadodara/Ahmedabad | 7:10 PM – 7:40 PM |
| AI 403/403 | Rajkot/Delhi | 7:20 PM – 8:00 PM |
| AI 403/404 | Rajkot/Delhi | 7:50 PM – 8:30 PM |
| VTVAK/VTDEV | Rajkot/Surat | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM |
Rajkot Airport Relocation and Development in 2023
In 2023, Rajkot Airport was relocated 35 kilometers away from the city to Hirasar village to accommodate larger aircraft and expand capacity. The original Rajkot Airport could not support aircraft larger than the Boeing 737-800 or Airbus 320, and there were limitations on runway expansion due to nearby railway lines and highways. Consequently, Gujarat’s first greenfield airport, Rajkot International Airport, was established in Hirasar. Domestic flights began operating from this new location in September 2023 after the inauguration of a temporary terminal.
Infrastructure Developments Near Hirasar Airport
To address potential traffic issues near Hirasar Airport, the central government has approved the construction of a 1.5-kilometer flyover bridge costing ₹100 crore. This project, under the Gati Shakti initiative, aims to provide seamless access to the airport, preventing traffic congestion on the highway. The bridge’s design has been finalized, but the timeline for its completion remains uncertain.
Hirasar Airport Construction Costs and Features
The construction of Hirasar Airport, which started in 2017, was completed at the cost of ₹2,654 crore, following several approvals and budget revisions. The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on July 27, 2023, and features a temporary terminal building. The airport is equipped to handle more than 280 passengers at a time and can accommodate “C” category planes like the Airbus A320-200 and Boeing 737-900, benefiting Rajkot and the entire Saurashtra region. The airport also offers facilities like parallel taxiways, an apron, a rapid exit taxi track, a terminal building, cargo services, and MRO/hangars.
