Kolkata Airport to Repurpose Old Terminal for New International Facility, Capacity to Reach 45 Million
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata is undergoing a significant upgrade, with plans to demolish the old domestic terminal to make way for a dedicated international passenger facility. The expansion aims to meet growing demand and enhance the airport’s role in eastern India’s aviation network.
“The current integrated terminal, spread over 222,973 square metres, is currently handling 8,460 peak-hour passengers—5,500 domestic and 2,960 international,” said Dr. Pravat Ranjan Beuria, Director of NSCBI Airport.
“With an annual passenger capacity of 26 million, we expect to reach full capacity by 2025–26.”
The new international terminal will add capacity for an additional 2 million passengers annually. In the interim, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is expanding the global sections of the current terminal, adding 3,000 square metres to departures and 2,600 square metres to arrivals. This 71,000-square-foot modular expansion is expected to be completed by the end of the year, bringing total capacity to 28 million passengers annually.
The old domestic terminal, which was decommissioned more than a decade ago, has served temporary purposes, including quarantine and testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Hajj operations in recent years. Its demolition, which includes removing the adjacent air traffic surveillance building, is scheduled for completion by the end of this year or early next year. MSTC Ltd has been contracted to auction salvaged materials from the site.
A segregation wall has been installed to isolate the demolition site from the operational apron area, while still allowing access for Hajj pilgrims using Saudi Arabia Airlines.
“The wall is necessary for maintaining safety and operational continuity for aircraft and ground personnel,” an official noted.
The new terminal will follow a U-shaped design and will initially handle international operations. Once fully operational, the airport’s total capacity will increase to 45 million passengers annually, comprising 36 million domestic and 9 million international passengers.
Officials noted that the development is part of a broader strategy to manage long-term demand and improve operational efficiency as the airport adapts to evolving travel needs.
Leave a comment