Ahmedabad airport: Facts, superb things to do around and must knows

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (IATA: AMD, ICAO: VAAH) is the primary international airport serving Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Here are some key facts and information about the airport:

Location: The airport is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Ahmedabad city center.

Terminals: The airport has two terminals:

1. Terminal 1A: This terminal handles domestic flights.
2. Terminal 1B: This terminal handles international flights.

Airlines and Destinations: Ahmedabad Airport is a major hub for IndiGo and SpiceJet. It also has operations from Air India, AirAsia, GoAir, and Vistara. The airport connects Ahmedabad to several domestic and international destinations, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City, and Singapore.

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Facilities at Ahmedabad airport:

• Check-in Counters: 16 counters (Terminal 1A) and 12 counters (Terminal 1B)
• Security Checkpoints: 4 checkpoints (2 in Terminal 1A and 2 in Terminal 1B)
• Immigration Counters: 12 counters (Terminal 1B)
• Customs Counter: 2 counters (Terminal 1B)
• Duty-Free Shopping: Available at both terminals
• Food and Beverage Outlets: Multiple options available, including restaurants, cafes, and snack bars
• ATMs and Currency Exchange: Available at both terminals
• Car Rental Services: Available outside the terminals

Ground Transportation:

• Taxis: Available outside the terminals
• Auto Rickshaws: Available outside the terminals
• Bus Services: Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) operates bus services from the airport to various parts of the city
• Private Car Services: Several private car rental companies operate from the airport

Airport Amenities:

• Lounges: Available for premium passengers at both terminals
• Travel Assistance Desk: Available to help with travel-related queries
• Medical Facility: A medical center is available on the premises

Remember to check with your airline for any specific requirements or restrictions before flying out of Ahmedabad Airport!

Here are some interesting facts about Ahmedabad Airport:

1. First International Airport in Gujarat: Ahmedabad Airport was the first international airport in the state of Gujarat, inaugurated in 1974.
2. Name: The airport was named after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a prominent Indian independence activist and former Deputy Prime Minister of India.
3. Expansion: The airport underwent a major expansion project in 2009, increasing its capacity to handle more passengers and aircraft.
4. Runway: The airport has one runway (14/32) that is 3,025 meters long and 45 meters wide.
5. Terminals: The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1A (domestic) and Terminal 1B (international).
6. Passenger Traffic: Ahmedabad Airport handled over 7.5 million passengers in 2020-21, making it one of the busiest airports in India.
7. Cargo Handling: The airport handles around 60,000 metric tons of cargo annually.
8. Airlines: Ahmedabad Airport is a focus city for IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India, and also operates flights by other domestic and international carriers.
9. Destination Network: The airport connects Ahmedabad to over 20 domestic destinations and around 10 international destinations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait City, and Singapore.
10. Airport City: Ahmedabad Airport is part of the Ahmedabad Airport City development project, which includes a new terminal, cargo complex, and other infrastructure development.
11. Capacity: The airport can handle up to 15 million passengers per annum with the current infrastructure.
12. Future Plans: The airport plans to increase its capacity to 25 million passengers per annum by 2025 through further expansion and modernization projects.
13. Security: Ahmedabad Airport has a robust security system, with CCTV cameras, metal detectors, and security personnel at all entry points.
14. Customs Clearance: The airport has dedicated customs clearance facilities for international passengers and cargo.
15. Duty-Free Shopping: Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping at the airport for liquor, tobacco products, and other items.

These are just a few interesting facts about Ahmedabad Airport!

Here are some things to do around Ahmedabad Airport:

1. Visit the Akshardham Temple: Located about 10 km from the airport, the Akshardham Temple is a magnificent spiritual and cultural hub that showcases Indian architecture, art, and spirituality.

2. Explore the Sabarmati Riverfront: The Sabarmati Riverfront is a beautiful promenade along the Sabarmati River, with stunning views of the city skyline and the river. You can take a leisurely walk, enjoy street food, or rent a boat.

3. Visit the Auto World Museum: If you’re interested in vintage cars and motorcycles, head to the Auto World Museum, which showcases over 100 classic vehicles.

4. Shop at the Law Garden Market: The Law Garden Market is a bustling shopping hub with everything from local handicrafts to clothing and jewelry. You can find great deals on souvenirs and gifts.

5. Try some Gujarati cuisine: Ahmedabad is famous for its delicious Gujarati cuisine. Head to famous restaurants like Gomantak, Bapsy’s, or Rajwadi for a taste of authentic Gujarati dishes like dhokla, handvo, and fafda-jalebi.

6. Visit the Kankaria Lake: Kankaria Lake is a beautiful man-made lake in the heart of the city, offering boating facilities and stunning views of the surrounding area.

7. Take a walking tour of Ahmedabad: Join a guided walking tour to explore the city’s rich history and culture, visiting landmarks like the Shahibaug Palace, Manek Chowk, and Dastan-e-Kalaam.

8. Visit the Sidi Saiyad Mosque: This 15th-century mosque is a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is a must-visit for history buffs.

9. Explore the Gandhi Ashram: Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite residence in Ahmedabad is now a museum showcasing his life and legacy. You can see exhibits on his life, speeches, and personal belongings.

10. Take a day trip to Lothal: Lothal is an ancient archaeological site located about an hour’s drive from Ahmedabad, showcasing Harappan civilization ruins and artifacts.

11. Visit the ISKCON Temple: This beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna offers stunning architecture, peaceful surroundings, and spiritual experiences.

12. Go shopping at AlphaOne Mall: If you’re looking for some retail therapy, head to AlphaOne Mall, which offers a range of international brands and dining options.

These are just a few ideas to get you started! Ahmedabad has plenty more to offer beyond its airport.