First aircraft lands successfully at under-construction Dholera International Airport

The first aircraft has successfully landed at the under-construction greenfield international airport in Dholera.

The trial landing was carried out by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at the airport site near Pipli village in the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). The VT-CNS aircraft touched down safely on the runway as part of operational testing and validation procedures.

Following the successful landing, airport authorities welcomed the aircraft with a traditional water cannon salute, with fire tenders spraying arches of water over the aircraft to mark the occasion.

The Dholera Greenfield Airport is expected to play a key role in supporting industrial growth, trade, logistics, and tourism in the Dholera SIR, which is being developed as one of India's largest smart industrial cities.

Industry experts believe the airport will reduce pressure on existing airports, particularly Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The project is also expected to provide a major boost to economic activity across the Bhal region and neighbouring districts by facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers.

According to project details, the airport will feature a 3.2-kilometre runway capable of handling a range of domestic and international aircraft operations.

An air cargo terminal is also being developed as part of the project. The airport will include parking facilities for up to 12 aircraft and a cargo handling complex with dedicated infrastructure for both import and export operations.

The proposed cargo terminal will comprise an international cargo built-up area of approximately 2,450 square metres, along with paved operational areas and dedicated airside ramp facilities to support cargo movement.