Dholera International Airport is set to become one of Gujarat’s most ambitious aviation projects, with the central government confirming that the airport will be ready by December 2025. This major development was recently highlighted in Parliament by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, who emphasized that the project remains on schedule without any deadline extensions.
According to the official update, the expected date of completion of Dholera International Airport is December 2025, aligning with India’s long-term vision of boosting regional connectivity and supporting industrial growth.
A Landmark Project Under Greenfield Airports Policy
The upcoming Dholera International Airport is being developed near the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), a planned smart city that is a flagship project under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). The airport is part of the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, which was designed to encourage the development of new airports across India to meet rising demand.
Unlike brownfield airports, which are expansions of existing ones, a greenfield airport is built from scratch on undeveloped land. This allows the project to be customized for future needs, offering modern facilities, world-class cargo operations, and efficient passenger handling systems.
Why Dholera International Airport Matters
The construction of Dholera International Airport holds strategic importance for Gujarat and India as a whole. The airport is expected to serve multiple purposes:
- Decongesting Ahmedabad Airport: With rising passenger traffic at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, Dholera will help reduce congestion and improve travel efficiency.
- Boosting Trade and Industry: Located close to industrial hubs, the airport will streamline cargo operations, benefiting manufacturing and export-oriented industries.
- Supporting Smart City Development: Dholera SIR is projected to become a global business hub, and the airport will act as a critical gateway for domestic and international investors.
- Enhancing Regional Connectivity: The project will directly link Dholera with other cities and states, strengthening Gujarat’s position as a major industrial and tourism destination.
Experts believe that once operational, Dholera International Airport will not only serve as an alternative to Ahmedabad but also become one of the largest airports in western India.
Government’s Clarification on Timeline
Responding to a question from Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin, MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol clarified that the airport’s deadline has not been extended and that the December 2025 completion target is achievable.
This statement comes at a time when large infrastructure projects in India are often scrutinized for delays. By reaffirming the timeline, the government has boosted confidence in the project’s timely execution.
Feasibility Studies for New Airports in Gujarat
During the same parliamentary session, the Ministry of Civil Aviation also shared updates on Gujarat’s broader aviation development. Under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, the Gujarat government identified 11 potential sites for new airports.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) was asked to conduct Pre-Feasibility Studies for 8 sites under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the state government. The findings were as follows:
| Site | Feasibility Status |
|---|---|
| Morbi | Feasible |
| Dhordo | Feasible |
| Rajpipla | Feasible |
| Dahod | Feasible |
| Dwarka | Feasible |
| Palitana | Not Feasible |
| Botad | Not Feasible |
| Rajula | Not Feasible |
Requests for studies at Ankleshwar, Ambaji, and Dholavira have not yet been received by AAI from the Gujarat government.
Expansion of Existing Airports
Apart from building Dholera International Airport, the government is also reviewing the possibility of expanding existing airports in Gujarat. The state currently has nine operational airports and airstrips—six under the Airports Authority of India and three managed by the Gujarat government.
So far, additional land for expansion has only been provided for Keshod Airport. For the state-run airstrips, a pre-feasibility study was carried out at Amreli, but the site was found unsuitable for expansion. Proposals for studies at Mehsana and Mandvi have not been received yet.
Challenges and Land Acquisition
While the project is progressing, the Ministry of Civil Aviation acknowledged that land acquisition and related clearances are crucial steps in ensuring the airport’s completion. These processes often cause delays in large infrastructure projects, but no specific issues were highlighted in the minister’s reply.
Industry experts suggest that smooth coordination between the central and state governments will be critical in meeting the December 2025 deadline.
Dholera International Airport: A Future Aviation Hub
Once completed, Dholera International Airport is expected to handle both domestic and international flights, offering state-of-the-art facilities for passengers and businesses. It is designed to handle:
- Large cargo shipments for industries located in Dholera SIR.
- International connectivity for trade and tourism.
- High passenger volume, easing pressure on Ahmedabad airport.
- Future expansions, with space to add runways and terminals as demand grows.
With Gujarat emerging as a preferred destination for global investors, the airport will be a game-changer in positioning the state as a global trade and travel hub.
Also read: Dholera Smart City: India’s First Greenfield Smart City and its International Airport
Conclusion
The announcement that Dholera International Airport will be ready by December 2025 marks a significant milestone for Gujarat’s infrastructure development. As part of India’s Greenfield Airports Policy, the project not only promises to ease air traffic in Ahmedabad but also opens new opportunities for trade, tourism, and regional growth.
With strong government backing, industrial demand, and the rise of Dholera as a future smart city, this airport is poised to become one of the most important aviation hubs in India. If timelines are met, passengers could soon be boarding flights from Dholera International Airport by the end of 2025, ushering in a new era of connectivity and economic progress for Gujarat.
