Dholera International Airport
October 13, 2026
Table of Contents
Dholera International Airport is a under-construction airport developed near Navagam village in Gujarat, India. It will improve air connectivity for Ahmedabad, Dholera Smart City and the Dholera Special Investment Region (Dholera SIR).
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation's July 2026 report, around 80% of airport construction was complete. The runway, taxiway and Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower were finished, while the passenger terminal was 75% complete.
Dholera Airport Latest Status 2026
Here are the latest verified project details:
| Project Details | Latest Status |
|---|---|
| Airport Location | Navagam, Dholera, Gujarat |
| Overall Construction | 80% complete (July 2026) |
| Runway Length | Approximately 3.2 km |
| Runway & ATC Tower | Construction complete |
| Passenger Terminal | 75% complete (July 2026) |
| Passenger Capacity | 20 lakh passengers annually |
| Cargo Terminal | 2,500 sq. metres planned |
| Expected Opening | September–October 2026 target, subject to completion and licensing |
Latest Major Update: The first reported test aircraft landed at Dholera Airport on 4 June 2026, marking an important construction and testing milestone.
Dholera Airport Opening Date: When Will It Open?
The government announced September-October 2026 as the target for Dholera Airport to become operational.
During a review on 14 July 2026, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that 80% work is completed.
However, the airport still required the remaining construction work and necessary approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The exact starting date for commercial passenger flights has not been officially confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Dholera International Airport Construction Progress
Dholera Airport is being developed with modern passenger and cargo facilities.
Its key features include:
- 3,200-metre runway: Designed to accommodate large aircraft.
- Passenger terminal: A 25,000-square-metre building with capacity for 20 lakh passengers annually.
- Cargo terminal: A 2,500-square-metre facility to support industrial goods transportation.
- ATC tower: Construction reported complete in July 2026.
The airport is being developed by Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL), a joint venture involving the Airports Authority of India, the Gujarat Government and NICDIT. The approved Phase 1 project cost was ₹1,305 crore.
Dholera Airport Location and Ahmedabad Connectivity
Dholera International Airport is located near Navagam village, close to Dholera SIR. The airport site is approximately 80 km from Ahmedabad Airport by air distance. Actual road distance will depend on the travel route.
The Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, inaugurated on 31 March 2026, provides improved road connectivity between Ahmedabad and the Dholera region.
The government has also approved a 134-km Ahmedabad–Dholera semi-high-speed railway project. This railway is planned for the future and is not yet operational.
How Will Dholera Airport Benefit Dholera Smart City?
Dholera International Airport is expected to play an important role in the region's future development.
Once operational, it could:
- Improve connectivity for business travellers and industries.
- Support cargo movement and logistics.
- Help semiconductor and manufacturing companies.
- Create opportunities for aviation-related businesses.
- Improve access to Dholera SIR and surrounding areas.
The airport may also increase interest in nearby commercial and residential property. However, actual property values will depend on location, infrastructure, legal approvals and market demand.
Conclusion
Dholera International Airport is an important infrastructure project for Gujarat and Dholera Smart City. With major runway work completed and passenger-terminal construction progressing, the project is moving towards operational readiness.
FAQs
Q. Is Dholera Airport open in 2026?
No, Dholera Internationa Airport is not operational yet but the construction was reported 80% complete in July 2026.
Q. When will Dholera International Airport start flights?
The government targeted September-October 2026, but an exact commercial flight starting date has not been confirmed.
Q. Where is Dholera Airport located?
Dholera Airport is located near Navagam village in Dholera taluka, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat.
Q. What is the runway length of Dholera Airport?
The airport has an approximately 3,200-metre runway, with construction reported complete in July 2026.
Q. Will Dholera Airport have international and cargo flights?
The airport is designed for international aviation and cargo facilities. Actual services will depend on regulatory approvals and airline or cargo-operator announcements.