Gujarat govt to unveil new civil aviation policy

The Government of Gujarat is close to releasing a policy for civil aviation that will enhance connections between different areas within the state. This effort is designed to create a dependable, affordable, and functional system of air travel that easily connects the various cities and towns in Gujarat. It is expected to boost the tourism sector in the state.

The government’s aviation agency, working together with various other departments, has started a comprehensive project to create a policy focused on enhancing flight connections between cities and towns in Gujarat.

Besides carrying out a thorough investigation into the infrastructure aspect, the government is actively looking into various incentives that can be offered to airlines to encourage them to increase air connections across Gujarat,” a senior government official mentioned.

Furthermore, the viability of setting up helicopter transportation within Gujarat’s urban areas is being explored, with detailed analysis of effective deployment strategies from different states being conducted. Currently, Gujarat does not have helicopter routes linking its different cities and towns.

“This innovative strategy for city transportation could transform how people travel in cities, offering a quick and easy option that goes beyond usual transportation methods,” the information explained.

The Minister of Civil Aviation advocates for eco-friendly approaches in air travel, emphasizing the need for renewable fuels like biofuels. The government aims to expand the network of airports and airstrips across regions. By 2027, there’s a goal to mix at least 1% of sustainable fuel with regular jet fuel, scaling up to 2% by the next year.

In a joint initiative to encourage airlines and motivate them to grow their services in Gujarat, the government is carefully investigating various possible benefits, according to sources. “The government aims to foster a more profitable setting for airlines to introduce new destinations in Gujarat and increase the number of flights,” officials declared.

Research will be conducted on current airports, airstrips, and helipads within the state to assist the state government in identifying the necessary infrastructure for the growth of air travel facilities, according to the sources.

In 2023, the state government entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to establish 11 new greenfield airports in Ankleshwar, Morbi, Rajpipla, Botad, Dwarka, Dhordo, Rajula, Dahod, Ambaji, Dholavira, and Palitana.