India is witnessing a new era of infrastructure growth, and at the heart of this transformation is Dholera Smart City in Gujarat. Spread over 920 sq. km, Dholera is not just another city but India’s first Greenfield Smart Industrial City, planned under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). To support this mega project, the government is building a world-class Dholera International Airport, which will play a crucial role in positioning Gujarat as a global investment hub.
Location Advantage of Dholera International Airport
The airport is being developed at Navagam village in Dholera Taluka, Ahmedabad district, about 80 km from Ahmedabad city. It is strategically located near:
Dholera SIR (Special Investment Region) – the upcoming industrial and residential hub
Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway – under construction for smooth road connectivity
Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar Highway – ensuring fast regional connectivity
Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) – linking industries to major ports
With such connectivity, Dholera Airport is positioned not just to serve Ahmedabad but also the industrial clusters of Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Vadodara, and even Gandhinagar.
Project Overview
The Dholera International Airport (DIA) project is being developed by Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL) – a joint venture of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Government of Gujarat, and National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT).
Key highlights:
Total Land Area: Around 1,426 hectares acquired for airport development
Runways: Two parallel runways planned (4,000 metres each), suitable for large aircraft like Airbus A380
Passenger Capacity: Expected to handle 50 million passengers annually in phases
Cargo Handling: A major cargo hub is planned, boosting exports and logistics
Technology & Sustainability: Designed as a greenfield, smart airport with advanced automation and eco-friendly operations
Phased Development
The airport is planned in three phases:
Phase 1 (By 2026–27)
Single runway operational
Passenger handling capacity: 1.5 to 3 million passengers annually
Cargo operations to begin with focus on industrial exports
Phase 2 (By 2035)
Expansion of terminals and cargo capacity
Second runway construction
Passenger capacity: up to 25 million annually
Phase 3 (By 2040 and beyond)
Full-fledged global aviation hub
Passenger capacity: 50 million annually
Expected to rival airports like Delhi and Mumbai in size and facilities
Importance of Dholera International Airport
1. Boost to Dholera Smart City
Dholera is designed as a future-ready city with industrial, residential, and commercial zones. The airport will act as the main gateway, attracting global companies to set up factories, offices, and R&D centres.
2. Decongesting Ahmedabad Airport
The current Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad is already handling double its designed capacity. Dholera Airport will share this load and provide long-term relief.
3. Industrial & Cargo Growth
With Dholera SIR being promoted as a manufacturing hub for defence, aviation, semiconductors, renewable energy, and electronics, the airport will provide direct cargo export facilities, making it a game-changer for Gujarat’s economy.
4. Global Connectivity
Dholera Airport is being designed to handle long-haul international flights. This will connect Gujarat directly to global destinations in Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Asia, boosting tourism and trade.
5. Job Creation & Regional Development
The airport project alone is expected to generate 25,000+ direct and indirect jobs. Combined with Dholera Smart City, it will transform the socio-economic landscape of the entire Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar-Rajkot belt.
Current Development Status
Land acquisition completed – 1,426 hectares handed over to DIACL
Environmental clearance received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
Master plan and design completed by leading international consultants
Construction work for Phase 1 expected to be completed by 2026–27
Parallel development of Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway and Metro Rail link is underway to ensure smooth connectivity
Recently, the government also announced ₹1,500+ crore funding for airport infrastructure, showing strong commitment to completing the project on time.
Strategic Benefits for Investors
For real estate and business investors, the airport adds immense value to the Dholera region:
Residential Demand Growth – Professionals working at the airport and industries will prefer housing in Dholera, boosting residential plot values.
Commercial Opportunities – Hotels, malls, restaurants, and office spaces around the airport will see high demand.
Industrial Advantage – Companies in Dholera SIR will enjoy faster cargo export-import facilities, reducing logistics costs.
Long-Term Value Appreciation – With global companies like Tata, Vedanta, and Reliance already showing interest, real estate around Dholera Airport is expected to grow exponentially.
Challenges and Considerations
While the project is promising, a few challenges remain:
Timely execution – Infrastructure projects in India often face delays.
Connectivity readiness – Expressway, metro, and supporting facilities must be completed in sync.
Balancing growth and environment – Sustainable development practices must be followed to ensure eco-friendly operations.
However, with strong government push and global investor interest, these challenges are expected to be managed effectively.
The Bigger Picture
Dholera International Airport is not just an aviation project – it is a symbol of India’s vision for futuristic urbanisation. It aligns with:
Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat – boosting manufacturing exports
Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) – improving domestic air travel
Smart City Mission – setting up integrated urban centres
Green Infrastructure Goals – building sustainable airports of the future
Once operational, Dholera International Airport will stand tall as a landmark project, putting Gujarat on the global aviation map.
