The purpose of the stop was for crew rest, flight duty time limitations (FDTL), and refuelling. The Beluga XL is scheduled to depart for Bahrain International Airport on Tuesday at 3:30 pm IST.

The Kolkata airport was chosen for the Beluga XL’s stopover due to its robust infrastructure and technical capabilities, according to officials. The airport has made special arrangements for the aircraft’s landing, parking, and take-off.

The Beluga XL, named after the whale it resembles, is designed to transport oversized cargo, including aircraft parts. It is capable of carrying both wings of an Airbus A350 jetliner.

The aircraft first landed in Kolkata on Tuesday, October 8, making it the first time the Beluga XL has operated in eastern India, carrying essential components for Airbus aircraft. It had arrived from Bahrain International Airport and departed for Tianjin Binhai International Airport.