Keshod Airport Airbus ops by 2027: Mandaviya targets ₹364 crore upgrade
Synopsis
Keshod Airport in Gujarat is set for a significant upgrade — a ₹364 crore redevelopment that will extend its runway to 2,500 metres and enable Airbus A320-type aircraft operations by 2027. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has now put a firm government target behind it, signalling Saurashtra's push for improved air connectivity.
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced plans for Airbus and cargo flight operations at Keshod Airport by 2027 .
The AAI redevelopment project is valued at ₹364 crore and targets completion by January 2027 .
The new terminal will span 6,500 square metres with a peak-hour capacity of 400 arriving and 400 departing passengers .
The runway is being extended to 2,500 metres to accommodate Airbus A320-type aircraft .
Completion is subject to statutory clearances and land-related requirements.
Mandaviya also directed the Disaster Management Department to stay on alert during the ongoing monsoon season in Junagadh.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday, 10 July announced that the government aims to launch Airbus and cargo flight operations at Keshod Airport in Gujarat by 2027, directing officials to accelerate the pace of work at a development review meeting held in Junagadh. The announcement aligns with the Airports Authority of India (AAI)'s ongoing ₹364 crore redevelopment of the airport.
What the Expansion Covers
The redevelopment project includes construction of a new 6,500-square-metre terminal building capable of handling 400 arriving and 400 departing passengers during peak hours. Critically, the runway is being extended to 2,500 metres to accommodate Airbus A320-type aircraft — a prerequisite for wider commercial operations. The project is targeted for completion by January 2027, subject to statutory clearances and land-related requirements.
What Mandaviya Said
Chairing the Junagadh district development review meeting, Mandaviya — Member of Parliament from Porbandar and Union Minister for Labour and Employment as well as Youth Affairs and Sports — said: 'The government's approach is to commence Airbus and cargo flight operations at Keshod Airport by 2027.' He instructed all departments involved to speed up implementation to ensure the objective is met on schedule.
Monsoon Alert and Disaster Preparedness
The minister also reviewed the impact of recent heavy monsoon rainfall in the Junagadh region, seeking detailed assessments of damage caused. He directed the Disaster Management Department and related agencies to maintain constant readiness for rescue and relief operations through the monsoon season. Officials were further instructed to ensure effective planning so that farmers and the general public face minimal disruption.
Ghed Region Development
Mandaviya additionally reviewed development and mitigation works under way in the Ghed region, providing guidance to officials on implementation priorities. The review meeting was attended by representatives from multiple government departments assessing progress across the district. He directed all departments to maintain high standards of quality and transparency and adhere to prescribed timelines across all ongoing projects.
With runway extension work under way and a firm January 2027 completion target, Keshod Airport is on course to become a significant aviation hub for Saurashtra — provided clearances and land acquisition proceed without delay.
Point of View
Two factors that have derailed similar airport projects in the past. The real measure of this announcement will be whether AAI's execution keeps pace with the minister's timeline, or whether Keshod joins the list of airports where political ambition outran administrative capacity.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Keshod Airport expansion project?
The Keshod Airport expansion is a ₹364 crore redevelopment by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in Gujarat's Junagadh district. It includes a new 6,500-square-metre terminal and a runway extension to 2,500 metres to support Airbus A320-type aircraft and cargo operations.
When will Airbus operations begin at Keshod Airport?
The government is targeting the launch of Airbus and cargo flight operations at Keshod Airport by 2027, with the redevelopment project slated for completion by January 2027. The timeline is subject to statutory clearances and land-related requirements.
Who announced the Keshod Airport 2027 target?
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Member of Parliament from Porbandar and Union Minister for Labour and Employment as well as Youth Affairs and Sports, made the announcement on 10 July while chairing a development review meeting in Junagadh.
What is the passenger capacity of the new Keshod Airport terminal?
The new terminal building, spanning 6,500 square metres, is designed to handle 400 arriving and 400 departing passengers during peak hours, significantly improving the airport's throughput compared to its current capacity.
What else did Mandaviya review during the Junagadh meeting?
Mandaviya reviewed monsoon-related damage in the Junagadh region and directed the Disaster Management Department to remain on constant alert for rescue and relief operations. He also reviewed development and mitigation works in the Ghed region and instructed all departments to maintain quality and transparency in ongoing projects.
