Cricket World Cup: Ahmedabad private jet movement to cross 200 over 2 matches

World Cup fever has gripped people across the country but its ripples are being felt at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport in Ahmedabad with private jet movement soaring over city skies.

Air charter movement at SVPI airport for only two matches the opening match and much-awaited India-Pakistan match next week is expected to cross 200 jets, according to estimates provided based on current movement.

The private jet air traffic is over and above the 250+ scheduled flights moving in and out of the city airport every single day.

As teams of England and New Zealand, sponsors, businessmen and other celebrities landed in Gujarat for the opening match of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 5, air traffic controllers at the city airport were busy managing safe landing and departures of private jets.

According to data provided by well-placed sources, the city airport handled some 90 non-scheduled charter aircraft movements from October 2-6 for the WC opening match.

This movement is expected to go much higher given the unprecedented interest among cricket enthusiasts for the high-octane contest between India and Pakistan. 

Sources said that October will close with at least 30% higher private jet movement, against September, which saw at least 500 movements.