Ahmedabad airport to be partially closed for maintenance work

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad will be partially closed due to maintenance work from January to May. According to the issues notice to airmen (NOTAM), the airport will be closed for nine hours daily, between 3:30 am and 12:30 pm, except Sundays and international holidays from 3rd January to 31st May. NOTAMs are distributed through telecommunications containing the information, condition or change in the aeronautical facility, services, procedures and hazards. These information are essential for handling flight operations and are issued by the Airport Authorities of India (AAI). NOTAM said that the maintenance work of the airport that connects many domestic and international states and countries would prevent its only runway from being available for landing and takeoff during the shutdown period. The partial shutdown occurs when domestic air passenger traffic recovered after a steep fall during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a senior official, fares to and from Ahmedabad can be increased during the partial shutdown. He added that fares depend on market dynamics. If demand increases despite the limited supply side, the prices may increase. A Spokesperson of IndiGo said that their flights had been rescheduled as per the NOTAM. The passengers were notified about the cancellation and changes in the flight schedule in advance. Adani Group has urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to shorten the shutdown period at the Ahmedabad airport, which was initially between November 2021 and May 2022. DGCA said that the maintenance work aims at runway overlaying, runway strip, grading and slope assessment, runway end safety area, drain construction and reinstallation of signages. Image Source Also read: Calicut Airport starts work to widen perimeter road