Surat, In a historic move, Air India Express has announced the commencement of direct flights between Surat and Dubai, with the inaugural flight scheduled for December 17. This development responds to the persistent demand from Surat’s thriving diamond trading community, aiming to enhance trade opportunities.
The inauguration of the ₹3500 crore Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) on the outskirts of Surat city on the same day by Prime Minister Narendra Modi further underscores the strategic significance of this initiative. Surat, known for manufacturing 92% of the world’s rough diamonds, seeks to elevate itself as a global trading hub.
Previously, in September, a delegation from SDB, led by Gujarat BJP state president CR Patil, had engaged with PM Modi to secure the bourse’s inauguration date. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had assured the delegation of launching direct Surat-Dubai flights.
Air India Express, currently operating two flights a week from Surat International Airport to Sharjah, will expand its services on the Surat-Dubai sector, offering four flights a week. The inaugural fare for this route will start at ₹11,111.
The flight schedule includes departures from Surat at 11:30 am, reaching Dubai at 1:30 pm. Return flights will depart Dubai at 2:30 pm, reaching Surat by 7:00 pm.
Aloke Singh, Managing Director of Air India Express, expressed delight in contributing to Surat’s growth story and reinforcing the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity from emerging cities.
In response to this milestone, Dineshbhai Navadia, SDB spokesperson, expressed happiness over the Surat-Dubai connection and revealed ongoing discussions with airlines to initiate Surat-Mumbai flights. Navadia further outlined a proposal where the bourse would cover the viability gap if airlines fall short of the minimum passenger capacity.
