Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI) in Ahmedabad is preparing to launch direct flights to Colombo and Baku, expanding international connectivity for travellers from Gujarat and providing easier access to two increasingly popular leisure and business destinations.
According to a report by The Times of India, the new routes are expected to reduce travellers' dependence on connecting services through Mumbai and Delhi while supporting growing outbound travel demand from the state.
Industry stakeholders believe the additions could also contribute to higher passenger traffic at Ahmedabad airport as travellers seek more convenient international travel options.
The upcoming services are aimed at destinations that have witnessed growing interest among Indian travellers in recent years.
According to the report, direct flights to Colombo are scheduled to begin this week, while services to Baku are expected to become operational shortly.
The expansion comes as airlines and airports continue to respond to changing travel patterns and increased demand for short-haul international destinations.
Industry representatives noted that travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer shorter flying times and easier accessibility.
Travel industry executives cited by The Times of India said the new routes arrive at a time when the summer travel season has faced challenges linked to operational disruptions and geopolitical uncertainty.
Bhavesh Mangalani, managing partner of a travel firm in Ahmedabad, said Baku and Colombo remain among the most sought-after destinations for travellers from the region.
According to Mangalani, summer travel demand was impacted by:
• Airspace closures
• Reduced flight availability
• Concerns related to geopolitical tensions
• Higher travel uncertainty
He noted that direct connectivity to popular short-haul destinations could provide attractive alternatives for travellers planning long-weekend holidays and shorter international trips.
Industry experts also pointed to rising airfares as a key factor shaping travel demand.
Virendra Shah, former chairperson of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Gujarat chapter, said both Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan continue to attract strong interest from travellers.
According to Shah, customers remain willing to travel despite higher ticket prices, although airfare levels have become an increasingly important consideration when selecting destinations.
He also noted that the recovery in corporate travel has helped support overall demand for international travel.
The combination of leisure and business travel demand is expected to contribute to sustained passenger traffic on the new routes.
Tour operators reported a noticeable improvement in travel enquiries in recent weeks.
According to Manish Sharma, owner of a travel firm in Ahmedabad, interest in destinations such as Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan has increased following the easing of geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Sharma said travellers are showing particular interest in destinations that offer:
• Shorter travel durations
• Relatively easy accessibility
• Family-friendly holiday options
• Competitive tourism offerings
He added that enquiries and advance bookings have remained strong, particularly for travel planned during the second half of the year.
The launch of direct services to Colombo and Baku reflects Ahmedabad airport's efforts to strengthen its international route network and serve the growing travel needs of Gujarat's business and leisure passengers.
Industry stakeholders expect the new services to improve convenience for travellers while supporting tourism, business exchanges and broader international connectivity.
With positive booking trends continuing and travel demand expected to remain healthy through the festive season, the addition of direct flights to Sri Lanka and Azerbaijan could further enhance Ahmedabad's position as an important international aviation gateway in western India.
Join the conversation
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Sign In to Comment