Dholera International Airport - Latest Update, Design, Master Plan
Overview of Dholera International Airport
Dholera International Airport is a new airport project under construction in Gujarat, India. It’s located near Navagam village, around 20 km from Dholera Special Investment Region (Dholera SIR) and 80 km from Ahmedabad. The airport aims to manage rising air traffic in the area and reduce congestion at Ahmedabad Airport.
The airport is planned to serve both domestic and international passengers. It will also handle cargo operations to support industrial activities in Dholera Smart City. The design includes modern infrastructure with two runways, passenger terminals, cargo areas, and essential facilities. This project is backed by the Airports Authority of India and the Government of Gujarat.
Dholera Airport in Gujarat is expected to improve regional air connectivity and create new business opportunities. It is a major step in Gujarat’s plan to improve transport and logistics through the Dholera Smart City development.
Project Highlights and Key Features
Dholera Airport is one of the largest smart airport developments under the Gujarat Airport Development Plan. It is part of the AAI Dholera airport project to enhance regional air traffic and logistics.
Location Advantage
Dholera Airport project near Navagam village in Gujarat’s Dholera Taluka. It is located around 80 kilometers from Ahmedabad and approximately 20 kilometers from Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). This site supports the movement of goods, services, and people connected to industrial activities in the region. The airport benefits from direct links to Dholera Expressway, the Ahmedabad-Dholera highway, and other planned road networks. Its location helps reduce cargo transit time and supports future trade growth. Being close to Dholera SIR, the airport strengthens regional logistics and promotes industrial expansion. The airport’s location improves Dholera airport connectivity and increases its value as a key airport near Dholera SIR.
Infrastructure Development Timeline
Early Approvals & Practicality
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducted the site inspection for the Dholera International Airport project in January 2010. In February 2010, AAI granted technical clearance after completing a practicality study. The Ministry of Civil Aviation approved the site location in July 2014. In December 2015, the Ministry of Environment granted environmental clearance. These approvals confirmed that the project was ready for further planning and funding. This marked the official start of the Dholera airport timeline.
SPV Formation & Equity
The Government of Gujarat established Dholera International Airport Company Ltd (DIACL) in 2012 as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to oversee the airport’s planning and development. In 2018, AAI acquired a 51% stake in DIACL. The Gujarat government retained 33%, and DMICDC took 16%. This joint structure ensured proper coordination between central and state bodies. DIACL became the official body responsible for managing the Dholera SPV and airport development tasks.
Phase-1 Civil Works
In 2021, AAI issued a tender worth ₹987 crore for Phase-1 civil construction. The contract was awarded to Varaha Infrastructure in June 2021. The work includes building a 3,200-meter runway, taxiways, apron space, and access roads. In January 2024, DIACL awarded another EPC contract worth ₹333 crore to Yashnand Engineers for the terminal, ATC tower, and cargo complex. This phase is expected to be completed by December 2025. It marks a major step in the Dholera Airport Phase-1 project.
Components of Dholera Airport (Phase-wise Development)
Dholera SIR Airport is being developed in phases to support large aircraft, cargo movement, and international travel. The airport will feature smart and functional infrastructure to handle the rising demand in Gujarat.
- Runways: The airport will have two runways. The first is 3,200 meters long. The second, planned later, will be 4,000 meters. Both runways are designed for A380-type aircraft.
- Terminal: The passenger terminal will handle both domestic and international flights with modern check-in and boarding systems.
- Taxiways: Parallel taxiways will ensure smooth aircraft movement and reduce turnaround time.
- Cargo Area: A cargo terminal with apron stands will support freight operations in Dholera SIR.
- ATC and Safety: An Air Traffic Control tower and essential navigation will manage safe operations.
Other - Facilities: The plan includes car parking, hotels, green belts, and approach roads.
Significance of Dholera Airport for India & Gujarat
Dholera Airport is important for both Gujarat and India’s growing aviation and logistics sectors. It helps reduce the pressure on Ahmedabad Airport, which is already handling more passengers than its planned capacity. Dholera Airport is expected to manage over 10 million passengers annually once fully operational.
The airport will support industrial growth in Dholera SIR, which is part of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. It improves access for companies setting up factories and warehouses in the region. This makes the airport a vital part of India’s Make in India program, where industries need fast and smooth cargo and travel facilities.
The airport also strengthens Gujarat’s position as a logistics hub. Its cargo terminal will help in exporting goods quickly to global markets. Real estate near the airport is already growing due to better connectivity and business demand. Dholera Airport supports smart city development and helps in building a new center for trade and infrastructure in India.
Cargo Potential and Global Trade Impact
Dholera Smart City Airport in Gujarat includes a dedicated cargo terminal and apron with parking stands for freight aircraft. The estimated cargo development cost is ₹150 crore. This facility will support the increasing demand for air freight in India, especially for industries near Dholera Smart City.
The airport aims to serve as a Gujarat air freight hub, easing pressure on existing terminals. Compared to Navi Mumbai’s upcoming cargo terminal, Dholera’s location offers faster access to industrial zones and the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor.
This cargo terminal will improve international trade routes and play a key role in India cargo airport development as part of Gujarat’s expanding logistics network.
Dholera Airport Status & Ground Report
Dholera Airport is under active construction. The 3,200-meter runway for Phase-1 is partially completed. Work on the passenger terminal and cargo complex is ongoing. Drone footage from early 2025 shows land leveling, boundary markings, and visible runway stretch. 3D layout visuals confirm alignment of taxiways, apron zones, and support buildings. The Airport Authority of India shared a recent site report highlighting steady progress. Phase-1 is expected to finish by the end of 2025.
What Will Be Inside Dholera Greenfield Airport?
Dholera Greenfield Airport will include all major infrastructure required for passenger and cargo operations. The plan covers terminals, runways, cargo handling zones, and support facilities that meet international airport standards.
✔ Passenger Terminal
✔ Runway 3200 M (Phase-1)
✔ Runway 4000 M (Planned)
✔ Parallel Taxiway
✔ Cargo Terminal
✔ Apron – Passenger Aircraft
✔ Apron – Cargo Aircraft
✔ Air Traffic Control Tower
✔ Car Parking Area
✔ Cooling Pit
✔ Isolation Bay
✔ Airport Approach Road
✔ Perimeter Road
✔ Green Belt
✔ Hotel and Convention Centre
These facilities at Dholera Airport reflect a clear and modern airport plan with a well-defined internal structure.
Strategic Investment Opportunity
Dholera International Airport is increasing demand for real estate and industrial plots in the surrounding area. Projects like Airport Enclave, Marina Bay, and Pride Projects are gaining attention from early buyers. Investors prefer this location due to fast infrastructure growth and planned connectivity. The airport supports cargo and passenger movement, which attracts businesses and MNCs.
Early investment in the Dholera real estate airport zone may offer long-term value. Many choose to invest near Dholera Airport due to its strategic location and government-support development. This region is growing as a smart investment hub for industries, warehouses, and commercial setups.
FAQs About Dholera International Airport
Dholera Airport is under active development. Phase-1 of the project is in progress, which includes runway construction, a passenger terminal, and cargo facilities. The airport site is near Navagam, and work is advancing steadily. Authorities expect Phase-1 to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026. The Dholera airport status reflects steady progress as per the current schedule. This update confirms that the Dholera airport project is moving toward completion.
This Airport is located near Navagam village in Dholera taluka, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. It lies around 20 kilometers from Dholera SIR and about 80 kilometers from Ahmedabad city. The site was chosen for its strategic position to support industrial growth and improve regional air access.
This Airport is being developed by DIACL (Dholera International Airport Company Limited). This company is a special-purpose vehicle formed to manage the planning and construction of the airport.
The ownership is shared between three key authorities:
- Airports Authority of India (AAI) – 51%
- Government of Gujarat – 33%
- Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) – 16%
DIACL is responsible for all major development and coordination tasks related to the airport project.
This structure ensures the Dholera International Airport developer has strong backing from both state and central agencies.
Dholera International Airport will have two runways. The first runway is 3,200 meters long and is being built under Phase-1. The second runway will be 4,000 meters long and is planned for future expansion. These runways are designed to support large aircraft, including wide-body planes. The layout allows efficient handling of both passenger and cargo flights.
This runway setup supports the airport’s long-term role in Gujarat’s air traffic and cargo movement.
Dholera International Airport covers a total area of 1,426 hectares. This land includes space for passenger terminals, cargo facilities, runways, taxiways, and support infrastructure. The project site is located near Navagam in Dholera Taluka and is part of the larger Dholera Smart City plan.
The large Dholera project land allocation supports future expansion and meets the long-term needs of Gujarat’s growing aviation and logistics sector.
The International Airport in Dholera will reduce the pressure on Ahmedabad’s existing airport, which is already handling high traffic. The new airport provides an alternative for both domestic and international flights. It creates space for future air traffic without overloading current infrastructure.
This airport supports Dholera SIR, which is a planned industrial zone. It allows fast cargo movement and easy business travel. This helps companies operate better and attract investment.
The project adds a new airport to Gujarat’s transport system. It connects road, air, and future metro networks. This makes it easier to move goods and people across the region.
It is important for Gujarat’s smart city vision. It helps the state grow its economy through better infrastructure and improved access to global markets.
Yes, cargo handling is a core part of the Dholera International Airport plan. The airport will have a dedicated cargo terminal to manage freight movement efficiently. It will include apron stands for cargo aircraft, a separate cargo apron area, and facilities for storage and handling.
The airport’s location near Dholera SIR supports its cargo purpose, as many industries in the region will depend on fast air transport.
The Dholera Airport is expected to open by December 2025 or early 2026. Phase-1 construction is in progress. The runway, terminal, and cargo zone are under development. The project has received major clearances, and contracts are active on-site.
This launch will support passenger and cargo operations near Dholera SIR.