Archive · 5 Jun 2025
AAI Halts Land Acquisition for Surat Airport Expansion
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has stopped buying land to make the Surat airport bigger.
They had planned to build new lights and radar systems to help planes land safely.
But, since there aren't many foggy days in Surat, AAI doesn't think the new equipment is needed.
Aviation experts are worried because they think these systems are important for safety, especially during bad weather.
The project was going to cost a lot of money and would have involved buying land from 20 owners.
The main reason for the halt is the lack of diversions due to fog.
AAI has suspended land acquisition for Surat airport expansion.
The decision impacts plans for a CAT-1 approach lighting system and radar facilities.
AAI cited lack of fog-related diversions as the reason for halting the project.
Aviation experts express safety concerns due to the lack of the lighting system.
The land acquisition, which was for 25.33 acres, had a budget of Rs 215 crore.
- Who
- Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Surat collectorate.
- What
- AAI has halted the acquisition of land for Surat Airport's expansion project, which included a CAT-1 lighting system and radar facility.
- When
- The MoU was signed in December 2023, and the land acquisition halt was recent.
- Where
- Surat, India.
- Why
- AAI decided the CAT-1 lighting system was unnecessary due to few fog-related diversions and halted land acquisition.
Aviation Experts
AAI
Airport Safety
Aviation Experts
Aviation experts believe the CAT-1 lighting system is vital for safe landings, especially in low visibility due to fog, smoke, and monsoon rains, and the shortened runway.
AAI
AAI officials believe that since they do not have much fog like Delhi or Amritsar, spending crores on the system was unnecessary.
- Airport
- Surat Airport
- Land Area
- 25.33 acres
- Budget
- Rs 215 crore
- MoU Date
- December 2023
- Project Components
- CAT-1 Approach Lighting System
- Runway Displacement
- 615 meters