Kolkata Airport Set for Major Expansion

Busy Skies Ahead for Kolkata Airport 

Kolkata—As part of the government's initiative to restore the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to its former glory and transform it into a hub for international flights, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced that daily flights to 100 destinations will soon be operating from the airport. During the inauguration of the airport's centenary celebrations, he recalled that the city once had direct flights to London and Paris.

"Currently, flights are heading to 15 international destinations and 49 domestic destinations from Kolkata. We are determined to significantly increase both international and domestic destinations soon. Our goal is to make Kolkata one of the busiest airports in the country, handling over 100 flights daily in both sectors," he said.

The minister said the number of aircraft using the airport daily has increased from 264 to 400, thanks to the Centre's efforts and support from the state. He added that there's a plan to increase the annual passenger footfall at the airport from 2.6 million to 4 million.

"To achieve this, we plan to introduce a new terminal at the airport by November 2025," he added.

On the occasion, the minister, accompanied by MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, launched a commemorative coin and a coffee table book. He also announced the introduction of a budget-friendly 'Udan Cafe,' which will operate on a trial basis and is the first initiative of its kind in the country.

TMC MP and Chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee, Sougata Roy, urged the ministers to increase the number of international flights from the city and to enhance the infrastructure of other airports in the state, including those in Andal, Cooch Behar, and Bagdogra.

"We are committed to improving airport infrastructure in Bengal, which will drive economic growth and turn airports into hubs of economic activities," the minister said.

Due to its strategic location, he mentioned that the Centre is working to improve the infrastructure at Bagdogra Airport, located near Siliguri.