The new year has begun on a more promising note for the residents of Surat as they get their first international air connectivity. Starting from mid-February, Surat airport will have a direct flight to Sharjah twice a week. The bookings of the same have already begun by Air India Express which intends to start the operations to Sharjah next month. Confirming the same, Surat airport director SK Panigrahi said, "We have received a proposal from Air India Express today that they have started the bookings of the flight to Sharjah for operations beginning mid-February. They have also mentioned the slot in which they wish to operate. The flight will arrive in Surat at 11.45 pm and depart at 12.30 am. We are working out other details." Interestingly, Member of Parliament CR Patil recently took it to social media to announce the same. In his tweet, he mentioned that the Prime Minister will dedicate Surat international airport to the nation on January 30 and flag off the first flight to Sharjah. When DNA enquired Panigrahi about the same, he said, "Our headquarters is taking care of the January 30 event. Details are being worked out whether the inaugural flight will be made operational or not." In June last year, the airport was accorded with international status and was given permission to operate 24x7. A month ago, the central government had notified the airport as customs airport. As per the notification, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs had notified Surat airport as customs airport through its notification under Section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962, issued on June 8. Speaking about infrastructure for international operations at Surat airport, he said, "The infrastructure at the airport is ready for international operations. We were just waiting for airlines to express willingness to start their operations." The international airport is touted to bring immense growth to the city, which is a hub for diamond merchants, traders, businessmen and industrialists.

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