The Gujarat government on 06 December, 2023 has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop 11 new greenfield airports and expand nine existing ones.

Among the towns identified for the new development are Ankleshwar, Morbi, Rajpipla, Botad, Dwarka, Dhordo, Rajula, Dahod, Ambaji, Dholavira and Palitana. Furtheron, the government and AAI will conduct a technical feasibility study and examine the availability of land needed for these projects. As per the agreement with the AAI, Gujarat government will provide the necessary land and other utility services like electricity and water.

The government would also explore possibilities of three additional greenfield airports at Vadnagar, Siddhpur and Kevadia. Moreover, the state government is looking to undertake brownfield development of nine airports, including Surat, Vadodara, Kandla, Porbandar, Bhavnagar and Keshod, while expansion of airstrips is being considered at Mehsana, Amreli and Mandvi airports. To upgrade the civil aviation infrastructure in Gujarat each airport is likely to cost Rs 1,500-3,000 crore.

Gujarat government and AAI are also jointly developing an international airport at Dholera. Currently, Gujarat has about 11 functional airports, at least two sea-plane terminals in Ahmedabad and another at Kevadia. The initiative is to help boost tourism, regional connectivity, trade and commerce, and job creation through the development of aviation.

Under the chairpersonship of AAI, a 10-member coordination committee will be formed for these projects.