Surat: Air connectivity from Surat is expected to improve significantly, with three new flights likely to be launched in the summer schedule starting March 30.According to sources, the new flights have been sanctioned for Noida (Jewar), Navi Mumbai and Mumbai International Airport, enabling Surtis to connect to several international destinations more easily.“The Noida flight will be a daily service operated by IndiGo Airlines. It will arrive at Surat Airport at 10pm and, after disembarkation, depart for Noida (Jewar) International Airport at 10.30pm. The second flight will be for Navi Mumbai and is likely to be operated by Star Air. It will operate five days a week — on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th day. It will arrive in Surat at 10.45am and depart for Navi Mumbai at 1.10pm. The third flight will be for Mumbai International Airport and will depart from Surat early in the morning. We are in the process of finalising its timing,” said sources close to the development.With Surat set to reconnect with Mumbai after almost four years, it will come as a major relief for Surtis who have long demanded the resumption of the Mumbai flight. In 2023-24, the Surat-Mumbai route registered only 382 passengers before operations stopped.However, the route was once a major success, with passenger traffic reaching 84,070 during 2018-19. In 2017-18 and 2019-20 as well, the number of passengers between the two cities crossed 50,000. Aviation enthusiasts and experts have termed the return of the Mumbai flight a significant development.Rajesh Modi, an aviation industry follower, said, “The commencement of two flights to the new greenfield airports — Navi Mumbai and Noida (Jewar) — is a significant development for Surat Airport. This marks the opening of a crucial gateway for Surat, strengthening domestic connectivity and, more importantly, paving the way for future overseas connections. With this momentum, Surat Airport’s passenger traffic is firmly on track to cross the 20-lakh milestone in 2026.“Linesh Shah, who closely tracks aviation issues, told TOI, “Around 3,000 to 4,000 cars travel daily to Mumbai airport and the city. If new flights to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai begin, it will be a breather for hundreds of Surtis who are forced to travel by road. “
