The Dholera International Airport project in Gujarat is progressing well, with a completion date set for December 2025. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Muralidhar Mohol, announced this in the Rajya Sabha while responding to a question from MP Narhari Amin. This airport is part of a larger initiative to boost regional connectivity and support economic growth in the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).
Dholera Airport will serve as a crucial link for both passenger and cargo traffic, easing congestion at the nearby Ahmedabad Airport. The airport is strategically located about 100 kilometres from Ahmedabad and is designed to accommodate 100 million passengers annually.
The construction of the airport is a significant part of the Government of India’s Greenfield Airports Policy (2008), which aims to enhance air travel infrastructure across the country. The project is expected to attract major investments and boost local businesses, creating thousands of job opportunities.
Currently, Gujarat has nine operational airports and airstrips, six managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and three by the state government. However, the Dholera airport will represent a substantial upgrade in capacity and facilities. The project has garnered attention due to its potential to transform the region into a major industrial and logistics hub.
In addition to the Dholera airport, the Gujarat government has proposed the development of 11 new Greenfield airports across the state. The Airports Authority of India has conducted pre-feasibility studies for eight of these locations, identifying five as feasible for development. These include Morbi, Dhordo, Rajpipla, Dahod, and Dwarka, while sites like Palitana, Botad, and Rajula were deemed not feasible.
The ambitious Dholera project will be developed over multiple phases, with the first phase focusing on the construction of two runways. The total estimated cost of the airport is around ₹1,305 crores. The airport will feature modern facilities, including the capacity to park multiple aircraft simultaneously and advanced cargo handling capabilities.
The Dholera International Airport is not just about enhancing air travel; it is also seen as a catalyst for economic growth in Gujarat. Experts believe that the airport will significantly increase property values in the region as it develops into a vital economic zone. Investors are already showing interest in real estate opportunities near the airport site, anticipating a surge in demand as the area becomes more accessible.
Moreover, the airport’s development aligns with the government’s broader vision of creating smart cities and improving infrastructure across the country. Dholera is also part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, emphasizing its role in India’s long-term economic strategy.
As the construction progresses, the Dholera International Airport is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting trade, tourism, and industry in Gujarat. It is a key element in the state’s efforts to become a global economic player, offering state-of-the-art facilities and boosting connectivity to both domestic and international markets.
In conclusion, the Dholera International Airport project is a promising development with far-reaching implications for Gujarat’s economy. With its scheduled completion in December 2025, the airport is set to become a vital part of the region’s infrastructure, paving the way for growth and innovation in the years to come.