Sky is the limit: IPL fever keeps SVPI airport buzzing

Ahmedabad: The city is in the grip of cricket frenzy, and nowhere is it more evident than at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport. Over the past three days, the city's airport turned into a buzzing gateway for thousands of cricket fans flocking in for the final leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.

On May 31, ahead of the high-octane eliminator match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, SVPI airport clocked a footfall of at least 43,000 passengers, with 305 scheduled air traffic movements (ATMs), over and above 20 non-scheduled charter flights. This is higher than the average daily passenger movement of 37,000 passengers in a day, including domestic and international travellers at SVPIA.

The excitement continued on Sunday, when the airport clocked a footfall of at least 41,300 passengers with some 300 scheduled ATMs. Over and above these, 30 non-scheduled charters also flew in and out of the city. The buzz intensified on Monday, in the run-up to the grand finale, with some 40,000 travellers and 250+ flights handled at SVPIA till 6 pm.

With the vacation and holiday season also in full swing, the passenger footfall at the city airport has been soaring. As the IPL final draws in — scheduled for Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium — Ahmedabad has transformed into a cricketing paradise.

Hotels in the city are also doing brisk business, with occupancy levels shooting above 85% across both five-star and business and budget hotels. Even local eateries and restaurants are witnessing good business. With fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings landing in Ahmedabad, the city is set to see yet another cricketing celebration.