The Ministry of Civil Aviation has declared the Surat Airport as an International Airport with immeidate effect. This announcement follows the approval by the Union Cabinet in December 2023, which was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was subsequent to the inauguration of the new Rs 353 Cr terminal at the Airport by the Prime Minister in the same month.

Domestic: Surat has direct connection with 14 cities including Udaipur - the other cities are Belgaum, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Diu, Goa (and MOPA), Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kishengarh and Kolkata.

International: Currently, there is 1 Flight between Surat and Sharjah (Air India Express) and 4 flights between Surat and Dubai (Air India Express and Indigo). 

As per the Ministry statement, this transformation is strategic as it will not only serve as a gateway for travellers,but will also facilitate import-export logistics for the textile and diamond industry in the region and position Surat as a significant player in the international aviation ecosystem. This will also help the Diamond and Textile hub of India in further enhancing its international standing by improving economic growth, foreign investment and diplomatic ties.