Ahmedabad, July 23, 2023: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad demonstrated exceptional resilience and preparedness in the face of the city’s heaviest rainfall recorded in a single day this season. Despite receiving an astounding 159 mm of rainfall in just four hours, causing flooding in several areas, including the airport, operations at the facility remained largely unaffected.
The torrential downpour, which began at 7 pm on July 22, brought life to a standstill in Ahmedabad, resulting in waterlogged roads and disrupted daily activities. The airport, too, faced temporary flooding in certain areas. However, the airport authorities promptly sprang into action, implementing their monsoon contingency plan to manage the situation efficiently.
As part of their emergency measures, the airport activated support services to assist passengers and minimize inconveniences. Special coaches were arranged to help passengers reach the drop-off area safely. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, none of the flights were canceled, except for one Ahmedabad-Ranchi flight, which was diverted due to visibility issues.
Around 200 dedicated airport staff worked tirelessly to drain out the water and restore normalcy. Terminal 4, which houses no passenger activities but hosts essential offices related to CNS (communication, navigation, and surveillance) and other functions, experienced some waterlogging issues, which were swiftly addressed.
By 2:00 am, all water was successfully drained, ensuring that operations resumed seamlessly outside the terminal building and other areas. The airport’s efficient response and quick action prevented significant disruptions to flight schedules, despite the record-breaking rainfall.
The statement released by the airport authorities shed light on the extraordinary scale of the rainfall. In just four hours, from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Ahmedabad received a staggering 159 mm of rain, accounting for one-fifth of the entire season’s rainfall. Notably, between 6 pm and 7 pm, the city experienced 54 mm of rain, indicating the intensity of the first hour.
Airport officials further emphasized that the airport had taken preventive measures to tackle such situations effectively. Last year, in April, the airport laid an 8.5 km drainage system to safeguard the runways from flooding. The efficacy of this infrastructure was evident during this rainfall, as none of the runways were hampered.
To bolster its preparedness for future extreme weather events, the airport operator announced plans to increase resources. Special manpower will be deployed, and additional drainage systems will be created to address excessive rainfall more efficiently.
Despite the challenges faced, the Ahmedabad Airport has demonstrated its capability to handle unforeseen natural events and keep operations running smoothly. Passengers and travelers can rest assured that the airport is well-prepared to maintain safety and convenience even during adverse weather conditions.
As Ahmedabad continues to experience monsoon showers, the airport’s proactive approach and resilience serve as a testament to the dedication of its staff and their commitment to ensuring passenger safety and satisfaction.
