Ahmedabad Sees Surge in Private Jet Demand; 200 Charter Flights Move Through SVPI Monthly

Private aircraft are increasingly becoming a preferred mode of travel for affluent travellers in Ahmedabad, with demand for charter planes reportedly doubling over the past five years since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI) currently records an estimated 150–200 private aircraft and jet movements every month. However, movements have declined slightly over the past three months due to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid the West Asian conflict.

Private aircraft booked for religious trips

Private aircraft are being used not only by spiritual leaders, politicians, industrialists, film stars and cricketers but also by affluent and upper-middle-class families seeking convenient travel.

A private aircraft carrying six to 12 passengers costs approximately ₹1.5 lakh to ₹8 lakh per hour, depending on the aircraft. A two- to four-hour journey to destinations such as Somnath or Dwarka can cost between ₹5 lakh and ₹25 lakh.

While bus fares to these destinations range from ₹500 to ₹1,200 and train fares from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, some families are now chartering private aircraft to fulfil their dream of travelling for religious pilgrimages.

Demand reportedly increases during major religious events, including the Kumbh Mela, when aircraft bookings may operate on a waiting-list basis.

Landing charges can reach ₹3 lakh

According to a pilot associated with a private aviation company in Ahmedabad, ground-handling charges for landing a private aircraft at the airport range from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh, depending primarily on the aircraft’s weight.

Parking charges are levied separately on an hourly basis. According to earlier reports, parking charges for private aircraft at Ahmedabad Airport have more than doubled over the past five years.

The airport has approximately 12 parking stands for private aircraft. Around 20 aircraft are reportedly owned by five to seven companies operating in Ahmedabad.

More than 100 helicopter movements expected monthly after Diwali

Helicopter demand generally increases after the monsoon season. Helicopters are being chartered for religious journeys from Ahmedabad to Ambaji, aerial flower showers at events, land surveys, electricity pole maintenance and pipeline mapping.

The hourly rental cost of a helicopter ranges from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Ahmedabad is expected to record more than 100 helicopter movements per month after Diwali.

Aircraft used for business and major events

Private aircraft are also booked during IPL matches, concerts, political rallies, elections and religious programmes. Film stars and political leaders use private jets to travel to Ahmedabad for events, while industrialists charter aircraft for business meetings in cities such as Delhi and Mumbai.

Aircraft commonly operating in Ahmedabad include:

• Gulfstream
• Embraer
• Pilatus
• Hawker
• Beechcraft King Air C90
• Cessna Citation
• Bombardier Learjet
• Dassault Falcon
• Boeing Business Jet

60–70 pilots associated with private aviation

Ahmedabad has approximately four to five major aviation companies involved in operating and chartering private aircraft. Around 60–70 pilots are reportedly associated with these companies.

Each flight generally requires two to three pilots, depending on operational requirements. As private aircraft movements increase, the number of pilots working in the sector is also expected to rise.