Ahmedabad Airport Taxiway R1 Lifts Efficiency
Newzdaddy Business Updates
Ahmedabad International Airport Limited (AIAL), operator of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), has marked a significant milestone in its infrastructure development with the commissioning of two Code C parallel taxiways – Romeo (R) and Romeo 1 (R1). The introduction of Taxiway R and Taxiway R1 will significantly enhance the airport’s operational efficiency and safety, as well as increase runway capacity. The recently inaugurated parallel taxiways will enhance runway capacity and reduce air traffic congestion across the airfield – a significant milestone toward making SVPIA a world-class airport.
Parallel taxiways are important in modern airports because they stop aircraft from waiting too long on runways. Airports like Delhi, Bengaluru, Dubai and Singapore use parallel taxiways to handle high aircraft movement. Ahmedabad has now joined this group by upgrading its airfield to handle more flights per hour. For passengers, this means shorter queues for take-off and landing, fewer delays, and smoother flight schedules.
The addition of taxiway infrastructure complies with the standards of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), ensuring alignment with global aviation benchmarks. The commissioning of Taxiway R and Taxiway R1 reinforces SVPIA’s vision to build future-ready airport infrastructure that meets the growing needs of passengers and airlines.
DGCA guidelines ensure safe runway separation standards, taxiing rules, lighting and markings for pilots. ICAO standards are followed worldwide, allowing airports to operate safely with international traffic. This compliance helps Ahmedabad attract more global airlines in future, including long-haul international flights, cargo growth and seasonal tourist operations.
Parallel Taxiway R: With a length of 1,126 metres, this taxiway can accommodate all Code C aircraft. It connects further with the existing Code E parallel taxiway P. Currently, all departing aircraft must backtrack on the runway for approximately 2-3 minutes to line up for departure on Runway 23. This time remains the same for arriving aircraft to vacate Runway 05. Taxiway R and Taxiway R1 will ensure that Code C aircraft can quickly enter and exit either runway, significantly reducing runway occupancy time, optimising operations, and enhancing safety. With the operationalisation of the new taxiways, all Code C aircraft, such as the A320, B737, and business jets, which constitute 95 per cent of the traffic operating at Ahmedabad, will use the parallel taxiway.
Backtracking is one of the main reasons for delays in medium-capacity airports. A flight taking extra time on the runway keeps others waiting in the air and on the ground. Reducing runway occupancy time allows more flights to depart and arrive in a shorter span. A320S and B737S form the bulk of India’s domestic fleet across airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa and SpiceJet. Every saved minute improves schedule reliability and fuel efficiency.
Taxiway R1: This taxiway, which connects taxiway R with the runway, provides direct access to Runway 05/23 and optimised flow during peak operations.
Direct entry and exit routes help pilots move without holding positions or crossing runways unnecessarily. During peak evening hours, when domestic traffic is highest, Taxiway R1 will help avoid bunching of aircraft waiting for departure permission.
Currently, the runway capacity is 20 air traffic movements (ATMs) per hour. The addition of Taxiways R and R1 will significantly increase runway capacity to 28 ATMs per hour.
A 40 per cent increase is notable for a single-runway airport. Mumbai airport has among the highest single-runway movement numbers globally, touching over 45 ATMs per hour. Ahmedabad, improving from 20 to 28 per hour, is a major step toward matching high-efficiency runway standards, and this opens space for more airlines and new route launches.
Both taxiways incorporate modern lighting systems and upgraded safety signs. They have undergone comprehensive engineering and safety audits. The commissioning of these taxiways will also have safety and environmental advantages, including:
Enhanced safety by eliminating backtrack on runways, bringing consistency in ATM in sequencing arrivals and departures.
Improve the on-time performance (OTP) of aircraft and bring a better passenger experience.
Significantly reduce wait time on taxiways for aircraft on ground, and reduce holding delays for aircraft in the air, which contributes to less fuel burn, a reduction in carbon emissions, and savings for airlines.
Optimise the allocation of aircraft parking stands to facilitate faster aircraft turnaround, allowing for more slots for airlines and a wider choice for air travellers.
Fuel burn reduction is closely linked to taxi and wait time. Every minute saved reduces emissions, helping the airport align with carbon-neutral future goals. Many global airports have moved toward sustainable operations through green taxiing systems and reduced idle time. Ahmedabad’s step strengthens India’s aviation sustainability mission.
With over 7.8 million passengers travelling during the period April to October 2025 – a 7 per cent year-on-year growth – the airport continues to strengthen its role as a key regional aviation hub.
Passenger numbers are increasing due to tourism, business travel and better connectivity. Gujarat’s industrial growth, including GIFT City, manufacturing exports and cultural tourism, also contributes to rising air movement.
This infrastructure advancement reflects Ahmedabad International Airport Limited’s (AIAL) commitment to enhancing capacity, efficiency, and sustainability — paving the way for the next phase of growth in Gujarat’s aviation landscape.
Must Read:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport Soars to New Heights in 2023