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Dholera International Airport is set to become one of the most important aviation hubs in Western India. Located near Navagam village in Dholera Taluka, Gujarat, the airport is a flagship project under the Dholera Special Investment Region (Dholera SIR). As part of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), this upcoming greenfield airport is designed to boost international trade, passenger travel, and cargo movement while supporting India’s smart city vision.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
The proposed site of Dholera International Airport is around 80 km from Ahmedabad and only 20 km from Dholera Metro City. Its placement is not random—it is carefully chosen to complement Gujarat’s industrial growth and ensure strong links with nearby seaports like Bhavnagar and Pipavav.
The airport will be connected through multiple modes of transport, including:
The Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway is currently under development.
The Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) provides direct cargo movement opportunities.
Proximity to major ports for easy sea–air logistics.
This makes the project a true multi-modal transport hub, ensuring seamless trade and travel options for domestic and international users.
Features of Dholera International Airport
Planned as a greenfield airport, it will be built from scratch with the latest technology and infrastructure. Some key highlights include:
Separate terminals for domestic and international flights.
A dedicated cargo terminal, supporting Gujarat’s export-oriented industries.
Capability to handle large aircraft like Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 in Phase 1.
Eco-friendly, energy-efficient design to align with global sustainability standards.
In Phase 1, the airport is expected to handle up to 10 million passengers annually, with further expansion planned in subsequent phases.
Development, Cost, and Timeline
The project is being executed by Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), a joint venture between the Government of Gujarat and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Phase 1 cost: Around ₹1,305 crore.
Construction status: Land acquisition and environmental clearances completed. Work is underway.
Expected completion: Phase 1 is targeted for 2026.
Future phases will add more runways, terminals, and logistics facilities, eventually positioning it as one of the busiest airports in the region.
Economic and Industrial Impact
The airport is expected to transform the economic landscape of Gujarat, particularly the Dholera SIR smart city project. Its benefits include:
Boost to industries: Supports manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and IT exports.
Cargo efficiency: Dedicated cargo hub reduces logistics costs and turnaround times.
Job creation: Thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities in aviation, hospitality, and logistics.
Tourism growth: Improved connectivity will attract more domestic and international tourists to Gujarat.
Foreign investment: Strengthens Gujarat’s appeal as a global business destination.
Challenges Ahead
While the project has massive potential, a few challenges remain:
Synchronizing supporting infrastructure like expressways and rail links.
Attracting international airlines and ensuring sustainable passenger traffic.
Keeping the construction timeline on track to avoid cost escalations.
Conclusion
Dholera International Airport is more than just a new aviation project—it is the cornerstone of Gujarat’s industrial future and India’s smart city ambitions. With its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and strong integration with the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the airport will provide global connectivity to Dholera SIR and the surrounding regions. Once completed, it will not only ease passenger travel but also create a powerful logistics and cargo hub, making Gujarat a key player in India’s aviation and economic growth story.