Rajkot and Vadodara Airports Get Central Nod for International Immigration Clearance
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has cleared Rajkot's Hirasar airport and Vadodara airport for foreign immigration services, paving the way for international flight operations from both Gujarat cities.
According to an official notification published in the Gazette of India on 9 November 2026, the Centre has inducted both terminals into the Category-1 list of immigration airports. Exercising powers under sub-section (1) of Section 4 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, the ministry amended its original list issued on 1 September 2025 to include Rajkot Hirasar at serial number 40 and Vadodara at serial number 41.
Gazette Notification and Official Approval
The formal directive was issued in New Delhi and authenticated under the signature of Nitesh Kumar Vyas, Additional Principal Secretary to the Ministry of Home Affairs. While the original September 2025 notification had undergone periodic revisions, this latest amendment formally grants two major aviation hubs in Gujarat the regulatory standing required to handle international border controls.
Aviation Boost for Saurashtra and Central Gujarat
The Category-1 designation marks a major step forward for aviation infrastructure in Saurashtra. As the primary commercial, industrial, and educational centre of the region, Rajkot generates substantial domestic and overseas passenger traffic.
Local industrialists, traders, students, and business travellers with international links stand to benefit directly once immigration counters are operationalised. Along with Vadodara's inclusion, the regulatory upgrade strengthens Gujarat's broader international air connectivity network.
What Comes Next for Flyers
While the Gazette notification officially clears the regulatory hurdle for setting up immigration facilities at Hirasar, authorities have not yet announced a launch date for international flight schedules or confirmed specific overseas routes.
The clearance sets the administrative groundwork required for airlines and airport operators to establish customs and immigration infrastructure before direct international services commence.
Also read: What is Hub & Spoke? Ahmedabad Airport To Handle Immigration For Non-Direct International Flights
