Vadodara: The city’s long-standing demand for better air connectivity may finally be set for take-off. During a visit to the city on Friday, Union civil aviation minister Kinjarappa Ram Mohan Naidu assured stakeholders that efforts will be made to expand domestic and international connectivity and launch cargo operations from the airport in the upcoming winter schedule.The Centre has assured support for improving air connectivity from Vadodara, including new domestic routes, international flight services and cargo operations.According to a statement from Vadodara airport director M S I Dawood, the assurance was given by civil aviation minister Kinjarappa Ram Mohan Naidu during his visit to the city on Friday.Naidu, accompanied by civil aviation secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, met Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi, representatives of the Federation of Gujarat Industries (FGI) and members of the airport advisory committee before departing for New Delhi.At the meeting, the delegation highlighted the city’s growing aviation requirements and pressed for enhanced domestic and international connectivity.Among the key demands were direct flights to Chennai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Kochi and Goa, along with the commencement of cargo operations from Vadodara airport.Representatives told the minister that improved air links would support the city’s expanding industrial and commercial base while strengthening connectivity for business travellers and exporters.The minister acknowledged the city’s economic growth and said the demands were justified.He assured the delegation that sincere efforts would be made to address the requests as part of the forthcoming winter flight schedule.Naidu also said that pending approvals related to airport development and operational enhancements would be expedited.According to the statement, this includes matters requiring clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which are necessary for certain airport infrastructure and operational upgrades.The assurances have raised expectations among industry bodies and aviation stakeholders, who have long argued that Vadodara’s economic importance warrants stronger domestic and international air connectivity.
