The inaugural flight, welcomed on Sunday with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and a customary water cannon salute in the presence of esteemed guests, marked the beginning of operations at Rajkot International Airport in Gujarat.
On its maiden day of operation, a total of 11 flights carried 2,546 passengers through this newly inaugurated airport, as reported by the Airports Authority of India in a statement issued on Monday.
Located in Hirasar, Rajkot, this new international airport serves as a vital gateway connecting the western part of Gujarat to both India and the world. It was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27, with the presence of Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, and other distinguished figures.
The airport’s terminal building is designed to accommodate 500 passengers during peak hours, with plans for expansion to cater to 2,800 passengers during busy times and an annual capacity of 35 lakh passengers. Additionally, the airport features a 3040-meter long runway equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to facilitate round-the-clock operations.