Air India Domestic Operations to Transition to Ahmedabad Airport's Terminal 2
Ahmedabad: In a significant development for air travel in Gujarat, the domestic operations of Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express are set to shift to Terminal 2 (T2) at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, effective from March 29. This strategic move, confirmed by sources with direct knowledge of the plans, aligns with the implementation of the summer schedule by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Infrastructure Upgrades Drive the Terminal Shift
The transition follows the completion of extensive infrastructure enhancements at T2, which have equipped the terminal to handle increased passenger traffic more efficiently. In April 2023, Air India had temporarily relocated its domestic services to Terminal 1 (T1), but the latest shift marks a permanent consolidation aimed at streamlining operations. Together, Air India and Air India Express operate a total of 38 domestic flights, encompassing both arrivals and departures, from Ahmedabad.
Airport insiders emphasized that this consolidation is expected to significantly ease passenger movement and boost operational efficiency, particularly as air traffic surges during the peak summer travel season. "With upgraded facilities now fully operational at T2, authorities are focused on optimizing terminal usage and alleviating congestion across the airport complex," revealed a source involved in the development.
Enhanced Facilities at Terminal 2
The recent upgrades at T2 include a range of improvements designed to enhance the passenger experience:
- Additional check-in counters to reduce wait times
- Improved transit flow within the terminal for smoother navigation
- Expanded food courts offering more dining options
- A new domestic lounge scheduled to become operational soon
These enhancements are part of a broader effort to modernize the airport's infrastructure and cater to growing demand.
Broader Terminal Rationalization Plans Underway
While Air India is the first airline to formally confirm the shift to T2, sources indicate that more carriers are likely to move select domestic operations to the terminal in the coming months. This is part of a comprehensive terminal rationalization strategy being implemented by the airport operator, who is currently in discussions with other airlines to facilitate similar transitions. The goal is to distribute traffic more evenly across terminals, thereby improving overall airport efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
The shift to T2 not only leverages the upgraded facilities but also positions the airport to better manage the anticipated increase in travel during the summer months, ensuring a more seamless experience for all domestic flyers.
