While the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has approved for 24x7 operations at the Surat airport from October 28, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has given a nod to the security clearance of the existing terminal building for commencement of international operations. Air India Express had submitted its proposal for starting direct flights between Surat and Sharjah in the morning hours, which the AAI had refused on account of heavy domestic traffic and the pending approval for 24x7 operations at the airport.