Dholera International Airport Project Update 2025 – Smart City Connectivity Hub

Gateway to India’s Smart City

Dholera International Airport is set to become one of India’s largest and most strategic infrastructure projects. Spanning 1,426 hectares and backed by a ₹20,000 crore investment, the airport will serve as the aviation backbone of Dholera Smart City. Positioned to ease congestion at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, it will support domestic and international traffic, boost cargo operations, and strengthen Gujarat’s industrial and commercial growth. The airport’s proximity to the ABCD Building, Dholera SIR, the administrative nerve center of the city, ensures seamless governance and integration with urban planning initiatives.

Strategic Location – Enhancing Connectivity

The Dholera airport location was carefully chosen for maximum impact. Situated just 80 km from Ahmedabad and 20 km from Dholera city center, it is connected via the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, which will reduce travel time to under an hour. This ensures smooth logistics for industries, residential communities, and visitors. Its location also complements the Dholera Solar Park, providing sustainable energy for airport operations and nearby industrial hubs, integrating renewable infrastructure into smart city planning.

Infrastructure and Features – A Modern Aviation Hub

Phase 1 of the airport includes a 3.2 km runway capable of handling 30 million passengers annually, with Phase 2 set to expand capacity to 50 million. Seventy-five hectares have been allocated for commercial development, creating a complete aviation ecosystem. The airport will serve as a hub for industries such as semiconductor manufacturing in India, aligning with projects like the Tata Semiconductor Plant in Dholera, which relies on efficient logistics and air cargo support for high-end manufacturing.

Economic Impact – Boosting Investment Potential

The Dholera International Airport is a key catalyst for investment in Dholera SIR. Real estate prices near the airport have surged, with plots starting around ₹5,500 per sq. yard. Residential, commercial, and industrial investments are accelerating, particularly along the expressway and near the ABCD Building.

Key Features of the Dholera Greenfield Airport

Phase 1 of the airport includes a 3.2 km runway capable of handling 30 million passengers annually, while Phase 2 will increase capacity to 50 million. The project also allocates 75 hectares for commercial development, creating a complete aviation ecosystem.

The airport is located just 80 km from Ahmedabad and 20 km from Dholera City, connected via the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway route. Once operational, the travel time from Ahmedabad to Dholera will reduce to under an hour. This direct link will integrate the airport with the Dholera port, Dholera seaport, and Dholera solar park, ensuring seamless connectivity between air, road, and sea networks.

Dholera Airport was officially declared a customs port in April 2025, empowering it to handle international cargo operations. Cargo services are expected to begin by mid-2025, marking a major milestone in Gujarat’s trade ecosystem.

Connectivity and Accessibility

Situated along the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway, the airport enjoys unmatched access to major cities like Bhavnagar, Vadodara, and GIFT City. The Dholera-Ahmedabad Expressway will serve as a six-lane central spine, ensuring smooth connectivity between the Ahmedabad Smart City and Dholera SIR.

Within Dholera, well-planned roads, metro systems, and smart bus routes will provide easy intra-city connectivity. The proximity to the Gulf of Khambhat also ensures maritime access through Dholera’s seaports. Together, these infrastructure layers make Dholera a multimodal logistics hub.

Economic & Real Estate Impact

The airport will act as a growth catalyst for Dholera SIR investment and real estate appreciation. Since construction began, Dholera plot prices have tripled, with current rates starting from ₹5,500 per sq. yard. The presence of industrial giants like TATA and Vedanta, coupled with the rise of the semiconductor manufacturing in India initiative, makes Dholera a magnet for investors.

With Dholera smart city progress moving rapidly, including completion of the ABCD building, smart utilities, and the Dholera solar park, the region’s current status reflects solid development. Experts predict an annual ROI of 15–20% for early entrants, positioning Dholera as one of India’s fastest-growing investment destinations.

Dholera’s Strategic Advantage

The Dholera International Airport's latest news confirms that Phase 1 operations will start by December 2026, establishing Dholera as a key aviation and trade hub. Its central role in the DMIC makes it vital to India’s long-term industrialization plans.

With the Dholera airport location offering easy access to Ahmedabad, improved Dholera connectivity, and proximity to major industrial corridors, the region will soon rival global cities in infrastructure and investment potential.

Cargo and Trade – Strengthening Industrial Growth

Declared a customs port in April 2025, Dholera Airport will handle international cargo operations, complementing the city’s industrial corridor. It ensures seamless connectivity with Dholera port and the planned Dedicated Freight Corridor, supporting exports, logistics, and supply chain efficiency. Nearby industrial projects, such as the Tata Semiconductor Plant and renewable energy hubs, will benefit directly from the airport’s cargo capabilities, reinforcing Dholera’s role as a comprehensive economic hub.

Connectivity with Other Smart City Projects

The airport is just one piece of the Dholera Smart City puzzle. With the Ahmedabad–Dholera Expressway, ABCD Building, and Dholera Solar Park in place, the city offers a fully integrated network for industries, investors, and residents. These projects together ensure efficient governance, sustainable energy, and rapid mobility hallmarks of India’s first greenfield smart city.

Conclusion – India’s Next Aviation & Investment Hub

Dholera International Airport is more than a transport facility; it is the gateway to Dholera Smart City’s industrial and residential growth. By linking the city with global trade routes, supporting cargo operations, and complementing nearby projects like the ABCD Building, expressway, solar park, and Tata Semiconductor Plant, it anchors Dholera’s rise as a premier investment destination. For early investors, industrialists, and urban planners, the airport marks the beginning of a transformative era in Gujarat’s infrastructure and economic landscape.