Ahmedabad, June 3 (IANS) The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad has commissioned a new Aviation Fuel Station with an 8,000-kilolitre (KL) storage capacity, expanding its fuel handling infrastructure as passenger traffic and flight operations continue to grow.

The new facility, operational from Wednesday, is expected to improve refuelling reliability, enhance operational efficiency for airlines and support future growth in air connectivity from Gujarat.

Airport authorities said the development also strengthens Ahmedabad’s position as a major aviation hub by increasing storage capacity and encouraging greater participation by oil marketing companies in jet fuel supply.

‘Ahmedabad Open Access’ is described as the country’s largest standalone refueller-based into-plane operation.

The newly commissioned fuel farm has been designed to support increasing aircraft movements while prioritising safety, efficiency, reliability and sustainability.

Spread across nearly 27,000 square metres, the Aviation Fuel Station includes four storage tanks with a combined capacity of 8,000 KL and a fleet of 17 refuellers to enable faster aircraft fuelling operations.

Two additional high-capacity refuellers are planned to further strengthen operational capability.

The facility incorporates advanced fuel filtration and quality-control systems intended to ensure a clean and safe fuel supply that meets international standards.

Automated systems equipped with RFID technology provide real-time monitoring and improved operational accuracy.

Airport officials said the fuel farm also includes fire safety and emergency response infrastructure aligned with global standards, supporting safe handling and storage of aviation fuel.

The commissioning of the facility marks a significant addition to the airport’s aviation infrastructure and is expected to improve turnaround efficiency for airlines while supporting rising demand for air travel in the region.

Located in Gujarat’s largest city, the airport is the state’s busiest aviation gateway.

Spread across 987 acres, it handled 13.8 million passengers during the 2025-26 financial year and manages nearly 290 air traffic movements each day.

The airport also serves as a major cargo hub, handling more than one lakh metric tonnes of cargo annually.

The airport has adopted a digital-first operating model and has received 5S Certification and Airport Council International Level-4 accreditation.

It has also achieved Zero Waste to Landfill status as part of its sustainability initiatives.

–IANS

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