The latest India aviation update brings a mixed outlook. While Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad recorded a 15% rise in international passenger traffic in FY25, the recent Ahmedabad plane crash has raised fresh safety concerns. Officials are now focused on both performance data and passenger safety.
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International Traffic on the Rise
According to airport authorities, Sardar Patel Airport handled over 2.8 million international passengers between April 2024 and March 2025. This marks a 15% increase compared to FY24. Routes to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe contributed heavily to the surge.
Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines expanded their services, attracting more international flyers. The rise reflects a post-pandemic rebound in foreign travel from Gujarat.
The India aviation update also highlights higher outbound tourism and growing business travel as key factors behind this surge.
Ahmedabad Plane Crash Raises Safety Questions
The celebrations over the growth were dampened by the Ahmedabad plane crash that occurred earlier this month. A small chartered aircraft skidded off the runway during landing. Fortunately, there were no major injuries, but the incident raised alarms about runway safety and emergency response readiness.
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has begun a full probe. Preliminary reports suggest heavy rain and pilot error may have played a role. As part of the ongoing India aviation update, safety audits at key airports including Ahmedabad are now underway.
Airport Infrastructure Gets a Boost
Despite the crash, Ahmedabad airport has continued upgrading its infrastructure. The new terminal expansion aims to improve capacity and reduce congestion. Modern baggage handling systems and upgraded runways have also been introduced.
The India aviation update shows that the airport is preparing for increased international movement, with plans to handle 10 million flyers annually by FY27. Better parking, security tech, and digital check-in counters are part of the long-term vision.
Domestic Passenger Growth Also Steady
While international travel rose sharply, domestic traffic at Ahmedabad Airport also saw healthy growth of around 8% in FY25. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa added new routes and more frequencies, especially to tier-2 cities like Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, and Lucknow.
The India aviation update reveals that Ahmedabad has become a key connecting hub in western India. Travel patterns suggest rising demand for regional air connectivity in Gujarat.
Government and Aviation Bodies Respond
Following the plane crash, both state and central aviation departments issued updated safety guidelines. Airport staff underwent emergency drill training, and firefighting equipment was checked and replaced where needed.
The DGCA has now made it mandatory for airports handling more than 2 million passengers a year to submit monthly safety reports. The India aviation update mentions that the Civil Aviation Ministry will also conduct quarterly inspections at high-traffic terminals.
Outlook for FY26: Optimism with Caution
Aviation experts predict a further rise in international traffic through FY26. However, the India aviation update also stresses the importance of balancing growth with safety.
Ahmedabad’s recent accident has prompted airlines and airport authorities to work more closely. Passenger feedback systems, digital alerts, and fast-response teams are now being prioritized.
While traffic growth is encouraging, authorities agree that passenger confidence must remain a top priority. India’s broader aviation landscape must focus not just on numbers, but also on a safe and seamless experience.