As of October 2026, Surat International Airport (STV) is operating under its active flight schedule, which remains valid until October 24, 2026. The schedule covers daily domestic operations and selected international routes, providing connectivity to major Indian cities and destinations in the Gulf region. The airport’s scheduled services are operated by three primary airlines: IndiGo, Air India Express and Star Air. Together, these carriers operate approximately 13 to 14 daily flights across around 12 destinations. Passengers planning to travel from Surat should check their flight timings and follow the applicable airport reporting requirements. This travel guide covers everything from active airlines and routes to check-in timings, terminal facilities and ground transportation options.
Active Airlines and Flight Destinations
Surat International Airport currently serves domestic and international passengers through its scheduled airline network. The mix of carriers and destinations gives travellers from Surat direct access to several key cities without needing to travel to Mumbai or Ahmedabad for connecting flights.
Domestic Flight Network
Domestic connectivity includes several important destinations, with New Delhi identified as the most popular destination. Other key connections include Mumbai International Airport, Noida (Jewar) and Navi Mumbai, which is served by Star Air. These routes provide passengers with connections to major cities and airports for their travel requirements. The New Delhi route is particularly busy, as it connects Surat’s business community with the national capital for both work and personal travel.
International Flight Network
The airport’s international network focuses primarily on Gulf destinations. Air India Express operates direct flights connecting Surat with Dubai and Sharjah. Passengers planning international journeys should allow sufficient time for the required airport procedures, including customs, passport control and immigration. The Gulf routes are especially important for Surat’s large diaspora and business community, who frequently travel to the UAE for work and trade.
Surat Airport Operating Hours: 24/7 Operations Postponed
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has indefinitely postponed plans to introduce round-the-clock operations at Surat International Airport. Although Surat Airport has been declared a customs-notified airport and an authorised immigration checkpoint to support late-night international services, airlines have not yet submitted formal proposals for flight slots between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM. As a result, the airport’s regular operating hours remain limited to 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily. The planned expansion to 24-hour operations remains postponed. For passengers, this means that all flights, both domestic and international, must operate within the current 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM window.
Important Check-In and Boarding Timings
Passengers are advised to follow the check-in and boarding schedules carefully because airlines at Surat Airport strictly enforce gate closure timings. Missing the check-in cutoff or arriving late at the gate can result in denied boarding, even if the flight has not yet departed.
Domestic Flights
Passengers travelling on domestic flights should complete the airport process two hours before their scheduled departure. The recommended time allocation is:
- 30 minutes: Check-in and baggage drop
- 45 minutes: Security screening
- 45 minutes: Boarding before scheduled departure
Following this two-hour schedule allows passengers to complete the required airport procedures before their flight leaves.
International Flights
Passengers travelling internationally are advised to arrive three to four hours before departure. This provides time to complete mandatory customs, passport control and immigration procedures. Arriving within the recommended timeframe can help passengers complete these formalities without rushing, especially during peak travel periods when queues at immigration counters can be longer.
Surat Airport Terminal Facilities
Surat International Airport operates through a single integrated terminal, with domestic and international passenger traffic handled on separate levels. This setup makes it easy for passengers to find their way around, whether they are flying within India or abroad. The terminal offers several facilities for travellers, including:
- 20 check-in counters
- Upgraded security lanes
- Passenger lounges
- An art gallery
- Dining kiosks
- Free Wi-Fi
- An ATM
A new duty-free shop is also in the process of being introduced. These facilities support passengers travelling through the airport on domestic and international services, making the overall travel experience more comfortable.
Transportation Options from Surat Airport
Ground transportation directly outside the arrival gates can be expensive or inconsistent. The airport currently has no prepaid taxi counters or car rental hubs inside the terminal. Passengers are therefore strongly advised to arrange their transportation in advance. This is especially important for late-night arrivals, when fewer options may be available outside the terminal.
BRTS and Sitilink Bus Services
For passengers looking for a budget-friendly option, local BRTS and Sitilink air-conditioned buses operate at limited intervals from the left side of the arrival gate. These buses travel directly to VR Mall on Dumas Road, where passengers can connect with the wider city bus network. Travellers planning to use public transportation should account for the limited service intervals when arranging their onward journey. Checking the bus schedule in advance can help avoid long waiting times at the airport.
Conclusion
The Surat International Airport flight schedule for October 2026 includes domestic connections operated by IndiGo, Air India Express and Star Air, along with international services to Dubai and Sharjah through Air India Express. The active schedule is valid until October 24, 2026, while regular airport operating hours remain 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM because plans for 24-hour operations have been postponed. Passengers should follow the recommended check-in timings, allow additional time for international procedures and arrange ground transportation before arriving at the airport. With 20 check-in counters, upgraded security lanes, passenger lounges and other facilities, the airport is well-equipped to handle both domestic and international travellers during the current schedule period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which airlines operate flights from Surat International Airport in October 2026?
A1. The airport is served by three primary airlines: IndiGo, Air India Express and Star Air, operating approximately 13 to 14 daily flights across around 12 destinations.
Q2. What are the international destinations connected to Surat Airport?
A2. Air India Express operates direct international flights connecting Surat with Dubai and Sharjah in the Gulf region.
Q3. What are the operating hours of Surat International Airport?
A3. The airport’s regular operating hours are 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Plans to introduce 24-hour operations have been indefinitely postponed because airlines have not submitted formal proposals for late-night flight slots.
Q4. How early should passengers arrive at Surat Airport before their flight?
A4. Domestic passengers should arrive two hours before departure, with 30 minutes for check-in, 45 minutes for security screening and 45 minutes for boarding. International passengers should arrive three to four hours before departure for customs, passport control and immigration procedures.
Q5. What transportation options are available from Surat Airport?
A5. The airport has no prepaid taxi counters or car rental hubs, so passengers should arrange transportation in advance. Budget-friendly BRTS and Sitilink air-conditioned buses operate at limited intervals from the left side of the arrival gate and travel to VR Mall on Dumas Road, where passengers can connect to the wider city bus network.