Gandhinagar: Non-resident Gujaratis (NRGs) have sought direct flights from Ahmedabad to major destinations in the US and Canada. The demand came during chief minister Bhupendra Patel’s interactions with the diaspora on his recent visit to the US and Canada to promote Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027.Gujarat govt officials said the state has reportedly requested the ministry of civil aviation and other authorities concerned to consider the demand.Ahmedabad currently has no direct flight to any destination in the US or Canada. Most travellers from Gujarat use connecting flights through Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Some travellers also fly via Singapore or Malaysia. These connections increase travel time and can raise the overall cost of the journey.Ahmedabad-based travel company owner Ankit Bajaj said demand for direct US and Canada flights varies across passenger groups. “Elderly passengers often prefer a layover, but younger travellers, businesspersons and those travelling for work generally prefer direct flights. First-time travellers to the US also tend to prefer direct services.”Speaking about airfare, he said, “A one-way economy-class fare from Ahmedabad to the US currently costs Rs 70,000-80,000.”Air India had operated a direct Ahmedabad-Newark service before Covid-19. Industry players hope for a change in the international connectivity pattern with the hub-and-spoke operations just launched at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) Airport Ahmedabad.Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru already have direct services to several destinations in North America. These include New York, Newark, Chicago and San Francisco. Delhi also has direct connections to Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.“I personally do not prefer such a flight, but I am sure most travellers would. Direct connectivity will eliminate the need for transfers and reduce the uncertainty and anxiety associated with connecting flights,” said Beena Munshi, a Boston resident for 20 years.Travel industry players said the US and Canada are home to a large Gujarati and Indian diaspora. Gujarat’s expanding IT and technology sectors are also creating greater demand for business travel.Virendra Shah, former chairperson of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), Gujarat, said most travellers from the state visiting the US and Canada travel to meet family and friends.“Leisure travel to these destinations is relatively limited. There is also a sizeable number of people travelling for business and work, although this segment has declined in recent times due to visa issues. A direct flight from Ahmedabad will significantly reduce travel time and make these destinations more accessible for passengers,” he said.
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