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Too many flight diversions leave Ahmedabad airport chock-a-block

Diversion of 10 flights from Delhi creates parking problems; aircraft parking area got packed after five flights and the other five had to be parked on taxi track.

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The diversion of 10 flights on Saturday night from Delhi to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in the city once again brought into sharp focus the need to develop better infrastructure at the airport. As the flights kept landing, officials were clueless about where to park all the planes.

According to officials, SVPIA is also working as an alternate airport for Delhi and Mumbai airports. It means that in case of congestion or urgency, flights from Delhi and Mumbai can be diverted to Ahmedabad airport.

"The situation became a bit chaotic following the arrival of 10 flights back to back. Our flight parking area got packed after five flights. However, we somehow managed to park the other five on taxi track," said an airport official.

The officials fear that in the coming monsoon when many flights may be diverted to SVPIA the situation may become more chaotic.

As of now, only 12 flights can land in an hour at Gujarat's only international airport.

"Plans have already been tabled to increase the capacity but the state government is yet to respond. We need 65 acres of land on which a new taxi way can be laid down. However, 70% of land is privately owned. That's why the process is getting delayed," said an airport official.

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