Dholera Greenfield International Airport: A Game-Changer Poised for December 2025 Completion

The ambitious Dholera International Airport, a greenfield marvel under construction in Gujarat, is firmly on track for completion by December 2025, according to the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation presented in Parliament. This milestone underscores India’s commitment to bolstering regional air connectivity and supporting rapid industrial expansion, particularly within the Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR).

Development Timeline & Strategic Framework

The airport project, driven by Dholera International Airport Company Ltd. (DIACL)—a joint venture between the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Government of Gujarat, and the National Industrial Corridor Development & Implementation Trust (NICDIT)—is being delivered in phased construction. The foundation, comprising runway infrastructure and preliminary earthwork, is largely in place. The ₹1,305 crore Phase 1 has advanced significantly, with over 80% of civil works nearing completion, including the 3,200-metre runway, ATC tower, and terminals.

Further evidence of progress includes the completion of the runway and taxiway, with runway testing expected to commence within months. The cargo terminal is also complete, and cargo operations are anticipated to start by December 2025, positioning Dholera as a strategic logistics hub.

Infrastructure & Regional Connectivity

Spanning approximately 1,426 hectares near Navagam, the airport includes two runways—3,200 m and 4,000 m in length—capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. A 75-hectare aerocity planned adjacent to the airport will house commercial amenities including hotels, offices, and cargo facilities.

Connectivity is a central tenet of the project’s vision. The airport will benefit from the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, a 109-km access-controlled corridor expected to be ready by 2024. Additional links include national highways, planned metro extensions, and proximity to rail freight corridors and seaports—creating a robust multi-modal transport ecosystem.

Economic Impact & Industrial Synergies

Beyond passenger services, Dholera International Airport is designed as a cargo powerhouse—anticipated to significantly ease pressure on Ahmedabad airport and fuel economic growth along the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC). Its strategic role extends to sectors like semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and agriculture, offering streamlined logistics for both imports and exports.

The broader DSIR vision—spanning over 920 km² and leveraging smart-city infrastructure—will be supported by the airport’s operationalization, attracting investments, boosting real estate, and accelerating urban development.

Looking Ahead

By December 2025, Dholera International Airport is expected to begin cargo operations and likely host its first commercial passenger services shortly thereafter. While some sources suggest full Phase 1 commissioning may extend into early 2026, the December deadline remains viable and realistic, given the current pace of construction.

Once operational, the airport will not only elevate Gujarat’s aviation capabilities but also catalyze economic transformation across western India—truly a landmark in India’s smart and greenfield infrastructure endeavors.