The history of the Indian city of Ahmedabad stretches back to 1411, in which year it was founded by Sultan Ahmad Shah to function as the Gujarat Sultanates capital. The infrastructure of the city was expanded and modernized during British colonial rule. The city acquired its nickname Manchester of the East as a result of its flourishing textile industry. The movement for Indian independence was very strong in the city during the 20th centurys first half.
Today Ahmedabad is Indias fastest growing city and the third fastest growing city on the globe. Subsequent to the creation of the state of Gujarat in 1960, Ahmedabad achieved distinction as the states commercial capital, a status it holds even today. The city also has numerous attractions for visitors.
Ahmedabad Airport, or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport as it is commonly known, ranks as Gujarats busiest airport and amongst the eight busiest airports operating within the nation of India. The airport services the metropolitan districts of two of Gujarats major cities, Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad; it is situated 8 km from the Ahmedabad Railway Station. The airport encompasses an area of 1,124 acres and experiences about 150 aircraft movements on a typical day.
At the present time seven international carriers and nine domestic airlines operate through Ahmedabad Airport. The international airlines include Air Arabia, Air India, Air India Express, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Indian Airlines and Singapore Airlines. Domestic carriers include GoAir, Air India Regional, IndiGo Airlines, Indian Airlines, JetLite, Jet Airways, Paramount Airways, SpiceJet and Kingfisher Airlines. Additionally the cargo operators Blue Dart Aviation, Air India Cargo and GATI function from Ahmedabad Airport.
Ahmedabad Airport features individual terminals for international and domestic flights as well as cargo services. On the airside three terminals use identical facilities, but on the landside they are actually separated from one another, entailing a drive of five minutes to move amongst them. A new terminal has been created recently, modelled on the acclaimed Singapore Changi Airport which incorporates novel facilities such as a moving walkway extending half a kilometre. The airport includes numerous parking bays for aircraft.
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