The Dholera International Airport is planned to be located to the north of the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR). This airport is envisioned to serve not only the DSIR and its surrounding areas but also accommodate traffic overflow from Ahmedabad International Airport.

The total area identified for the airport’s development is 1,426 hectares. The airport will feature two runways capable of handling wide-bodied, long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

Ahmedabad’s existing airport has experienced the highest annual growth in passenger traffic and is expected to reach its saturation point well before 2020. Expanding the Ahmedabad airport is challenging due to various constraints, making the need for a new international airport increasingly urgent.

In light of the growing economic activity within the DSIR, driven by substantial domestic and foreign investments, the government has identified a significant need for a modern Greenfield International Airport in the region. Recognizing this need, the state has included the development of the airport in its list of “Early Bird Projects,” in consultation with the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Additionally, the Government of Gujarat (GoG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the DMIC Development Corporation to move forward with this initiative.

• Land Allocation:
  1,426 hectares of land at Village Navagam, Taluka Dholera, District Ahmedabad, has been selected for the development of Dholera International Airport.
• Feasibility and Approvals:
  • Airports Authority of India (AAI) has prepared the Feasibility Report for the project.
  • Ministry of Defence has issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for airport construction.
  • Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted Site Clearance Approval for the project.
  • AAI has also prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and undertaken the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study.
• Runway Specifications:
  The site can accommodate two runways, with lengths of 2,900 meters and 4,000 meters.
• Approval and Applications:
  • Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL) has applied for In-Principle Approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
  • Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) Corporation Ltd. has been offered equity in DIACL.
• Land Measurement:
  • The District Inspector of Land Records has carried out the measurement and demarcation of the site.
  • Stone pegs have been placed at 182 peripheral boundary points.
• Detailed Project Survey (DPS):
  The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is preparing the Detailed Project Survey (DPS).
• Project Development Mode:
  The airport will be developed in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode, adhering to the Greenfield Airport Policy of the Government of India.
• Location and Land Reservation:
  • The new international airport will be located at the northern tip of Dholera SIR, approximately 1 km from the region.
  • A total of 9,200 hectares of government land has been reserved by the State Government of Gujarat for the project.
• Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV):
  A ₹100 crore Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has been formed by the Government of Gujarat for the airport project.
• Facilities:
  The airport will offer both passenger and cargo facilities.
• Recent Approvals:
  Principal Approval for the project has been granted by the Government of India.

• Global Ranking:
  India is the 9th largest civil aviation market in the world.

• Passenger Traffic:
  In 2013, India recorded a total of 160 million passengers.

• Domestic Market:
  India ranked 4th globally in domestic passenger traffic, with 116.3 million domestic passengers in 2013.

• Freight Traffic:

  • Domestic Freight: 1.4 million tonnes (2013)
  • International Freight: 0.8 million tonnes (2013)

• Aircraft Movements:
  In 2013, India saw a total of 1.48 million aircraft movements.

• Airports:
  As of 2013, there were 125 operational airports across the country.

• Passenger Handling Capacity:
  The combined passenger handling capacity of India’s airports was 233 million in 2012.

• International Connectivity:
  India has established Bilateral Air Service Agreements (ASAs) with 104 countries.

• Projected Ranking:
  India is expected to become the 3rd largest aviation market by 2030.
• Growth of Middle-Income Population:
  The middle-income population is forecasted to grow from 160 million in 2011 to 267 million by 2026.
• Travel & Tourism Industry:
  The travel and tourism industry is projected to grow from US$ 119 billion in 2012 to US$ 270 billion by 2026.
• Advanced Air Navigation:
  India is implementing Project GAGAN, an initiative to enhance the use of advanced air navigation technology.
• Development of Low-Cost Airports:
  The government plans to develop 100 low-cost airports in Tier II and Tier III cities to support growing demand.

• 100% FDI for Greenfield Airports:
  The government allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the development of Greenfield airports.

• 100% FDI for Existing Airports:
  100% FDI is permitted for existing airports, subject to approval through the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

• 49% FDI in Aviation for Foreign Carriers:
  The government permits 49% FDI in aviation from foreign carriers.

• Open Sky Policy:
  The government has implemented an Open Sky Policy, increasing traffic rights and facilitating greater international air connectivity.

Gujarat has long been the corporate hub of India, hosting a large number of major industries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and multinational companies. The state has developed numerous vibrant industrial clusters, industrial estates, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), making it a key player in India’s economic landscape.

The Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board (GIDB) serves as a pivotal agency for promoting infrastructure growth in the state. It facilitates the implementation of numerous projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), supported by a robust legal and institutional framework.

In line with the Government of India’s ambitious plans to establish a Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) and the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), GIDB has recognized the need for an International Airport. The Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), located within the DMIC corridor, is envisioned to become a global hub of economic activity, offering world-class infrastructure and premium civic facilities.

The proposed Dholera International Airport is designed to meet the logistical needs of the upcoming Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), while also accommodating future traffic overflow from the existing Ahmedabad Airport. This airport is expected to drive airport-led economic growth across the region, positioning Dholera as a key hub, similar to other successful Aerotropolis developments worldwide.

The Government of Gujarat has established Dholera International Airport Company Ltd. (DIACL) to oversee and facilitate the development of the project. DIACL will be responsible for obtaining the necessary approvals from both the Central and State governments. In addition to conducting various studies and surveys, the company will also develop the essential infrastructure required for the airport. Subsequently, a private developer will be selected through a transparent, open competitive bidding process.