Surat airport: Flak over lack of amenities

Frequent fliers and airport activists have written to the chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI) drawing his attention to the issue concerning the non-availability of food, beverage, and retail shops for passengers at Surat Airport.

- Melvyn Thomas

Despite the grand inauguration of the expanded terminal building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17, 2023, the basic amenities for passengers remain glaringly absent even after 1 year.

The tenders were published on 28th February 2023. However, it has been almost two years, and the commercial department at Surat Airport has not yet managed to facilitate the installation of food and beverage outlets or retail shops at the expanded terminal building.

This delay is causing significant inconvenience to passengers and reflects poorly on the airport's commitment to providing a world-class experience.

Passengers frequently endure long waiting times at the airport, and the lack of proper food outlets, particularly in the international departure security hold area, leaves them with no viable options for food or drinks.