North Gujarat to Get First Civilian Airport at Deesa After Centre Approves Civil-Military Conversion

North Gujarat is set to witness a major boost in regional connectivity and infrastructure as plans move forward to establish the region’s first civilian airport at Deesa in Banaskantha district. The project follows approval to convert the existing Deesa Air Force Station into a joint civilian–military facility, marking a significant step toward improving air travel access for residents and businesses in the region.

The upcoming airport aims to address a long-standing demand from people across North Gujarat, who currently depend largely on Ahmedabad for commercial flights. With this development, passengers from several districts will gain closer access to air travel, potentially reducing travel time and encouraging economic growth. Officials have indicated that approximately 100 acres of strategically located land around the airbase will be allocated for building the terminal and supporting infrastructure.

One of the major advantages of the proposed airport is its existing aviation infrastructure. The Deesa Air Force Station already features a 3.3-kilometre runway, considered the longest in Gujarat, which could support larger aircraft and future expansion plans. The overall complex spans about 4,500 acres, offering sufficient space for both military and civilian operations while enabling long-term scalability.

Strategically positioned around 18 kilometres from Deesa city, the airport is expected to strengthen connectivity to key highways and tourism destinations. The Jamnagar–Amritsar corridor and the Ahmedabad–Tharad highway pass within accessible distance, enhancing road connectivity for passengers and cargo transport. Regional tourism could also receive a boost, as the proposed airport will offer improved access to pilgrimage and heritage sites such as Ambaji and the Seema Darshan location at Nadabet near the India–Pakistan border.

Beyond tourism, the project is anticipated to drive local economic activity by improving logistics, encouraging investment, and supporting future infrastructure developments in surrounding districts. Authorities are also considering budgetary allocations in the upcoming state financial plan to accelerate work on the terminal building and related facilities. The initiative could benefit neighbouring areas in Rajasthan as well, making it a strategic aviation hub for a wider region rather than only North Gujarat.

The introduction of a civilian airport at Deesa reflects the broader push toward expanding regional aviation infrastructure across India. By transforming an existing defence airbase into a dual-use facility, planners aim to reduce development timelines while maximising available resources. Improved connectivity is expected to encourage tourism, trade, and employment opportunities, aligning with long-term infrastructure growth goals.

As planning progresses, the Deesa airport project is likely to reshape travel patterns across North Gujarat, offering residents a closer gateway to domestic flights and positioning the region for enhanced economic and tourism development in the coming years.