Passenger Plane Crashes in Ahmedabad, India - Developing Story

## Overview Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, commonly known as Ahmedabad Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Gujarat and ranks as the seventh busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic[3]. Located in Ahmedabad, it serves as a crucial gateway for both domestic and international travel, connecting Gujarat with major cities in India and global destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, and London[4]. The airport is owned and operated by Ahmedabad International Airport Limited (AIAL), a subsidiary of the Adani Group, which took over management in 2020 under a public-private partnership model[1][4]. ## History The airport’s origins date back to 1937, when it was established during the British era primarily for military operations[4]. It was opened to civilian traffic post-independence and began handling international flights in the 1990s, marking a significant expansion in its role and infrastructure[4]. The airport is named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, reflecting its national significance[3]. ## Key Achievements Ahmedabad Airport has consistently demonstrated robust growth. In the financial year 2024–25, it handled a record 1.34 crore (13.4 million) passengers, a nearly 15% increase over the previous year, with over 11 million domestic and 2.2 million international passengers[1][3]. On January 25, 2025, the airport set a single-day record with 48,137 passengers and 351 aircraft movements, surpassing previous highs[1]. The airport is a focus city for Air India and a key operating base for IndiGo, underscoring its strategic importance in India’s aviation network[3]. ## Current Status and Expansion The airport is undergoing a major transformation to meet rising demand. A new integrated terminal, set to begin construction in March 2026, will double the airport’s capacity