Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (IATA: AMD, ICAO: VAAH) is the primary airport serving Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat. One of India’s most important aviation hubs, the airport handles millions of passengers annually and connects western India to major domestic and international destinations. Named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in India’s freedom movement, the airport is known for its growing connectivity, modern terminals, and expanding infrastructure.

Overview

Located in Hansol, approximately 9 km from Ahmedabad city centre, the airport operates under Adani Airports. It is equipped with two major passenger terminals—one for domestic flights and one for international services—along with cargo facilities and a secondary terminal used for peak-hour operations.

History

The airport began operations in 1937 and gradually expanded to become an international gateway for Gujarat. It was officially designated an international airport in 2000.
Over recent years, major modernization initiatives have improved passenger facilities, flight handling capability, and overall connectivity. A new Integrated Terminal is planned to accommodate future passenger growth.

Terminals

Terminal 1 – Domestic Terminal

• Serves all domestic flights
• Modern check-in counters and security lanes
• Multiple boarding gates
• Retail, F&B outlets, and lounges
• Dedicated baggage claim areas

Terminal 2 – International Terminal

• Handles all international flights
• Immigration, customs, and duty-free sections
• Self-baggage-drop and automated check-in
• Premium lounges, prayer rooms, and retail stores

Runway and Infrastructure

The airport features a main runway (05/23) of about 3,500 metres, capable of handling wide-body aircraft for long-haul operations. Supporting facilities include aircraft maintenance zones, apron areas, and night-landing systems.

Airlines and Destinations

Domestic Destinations

Flights operate frequently to:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Goa and more

International Destinations

The airport connects to:

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Doha
• Muscat
• Kuwait
• Singapore

It is served by major airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways.

Facilities and Services

Travellers can access:

• Lounges (domestic and international)
• Duty-free shopping, retail outlets, cafés, and restaurants
• ATMs, banks, currency exchange
• Free Wi-Fi
• Medical assistance and baby care rooms
• Wheelchair and special assistance services
• Baggage wrapping and porter services

Ground Transport and Connectivity

How to Reach

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is easily accessible from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar:

• Taxi/Ride-hailing: Ola, Uber, and local cabs available 24/7
• Auto-rickshaws: Convenient for short-distance travel
• City Buses: Connect major city points to the airport
• Private Car: Short-term and long-term parking available
• Car Rentals: Multiple agencies operate within the airport premises

Cargo Operations

The airport manages significant cargo traffic, especially textiles, pharmaceuticals, agricultural goods, and industrial products. Modern cold-storage facilities and export zones support logistics and international trade.

Future Development

A new Integrated Terminal Building is planned to boost capacity, enhance comfort, and introduce advanced facilities such as additional aerobridges, larger retail zones, and better traffic management. This redevelopment will play a crucial role in transforming the airport into a world-class aviation hub.

Conclusion

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport stands as a major gateway to Gujarat, combining strong domestic and international connectivity with steadily improving passenger facilities. As expansion projects continue, the airport is poised to offer a more seamless, modern, and world-class travel experience. Its strategic location, consistent growth, and upcoming infrastructure upgrades make it one of India’s most important airports for business and leisure travellers alike.