As part of the Centre’s plan to transform the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) into a hub for international flights, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Saturday announced that 100 flights will soon operate from the airport daily. He also took up the challenge to connect the airport to 100 cities.
Inaugurating the airport’s centenary celebrations, the minister acknowledged the appeal by TMC MP and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of Kolkata Airport Saugata Roy for increased connectivity of the airport and said, “We must connect Kolkata to more and more destinations across the world.”
Roy had stressed on the importance of direct flights to major international destinations like London, Paris, and New York, highlighting the potential for increased connectivity through “gentle persuasion.”
While Naidu recalled that the city once had direct flights to London and Paris, he said, “Currently, there are 15 international and 49 domestic flights from Kolkata, making it 64. As we celebrate 100 years, we have to take up the challenge to bring connectivity to 100 cities with gentle persuasion as suggested.”
“Our goal is to make Kolkata one of the busiest airports in the country, handling over 100 flights daily in both sectors,” the minister added.
He also mentioned that the Centre is working to enhance the infrastructure at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, given its strategic location. A new civil enclave with an investment of 15,900 crore will feature a 70,000 square meter terminal, further boosting air connectivity in West Bengal.
The minister said the number of aircraft using the airport daily has increased from 264 to 400, enhanced runway capacity to handle 35 flights per hour, strengthened airside infrastructure, expanded taxi tracks to accommodate wide-body aircraft as well as the upcoming new Terminal 3, thanks to the Centre’s efforts and support from the state.
Naidu added that there’s a plan to increase the annual passenger footfall at the airport from 2.6 million to over 4 million. “To achieve this, we plan to introduce a new terminal at the airport by November 2025,” he said, adding that the upcoming metro rail connectivity will significantly enhance passenger convenience.
Emphasizing the airport’s historical significance, Naidu stated, “When Kolkata takes up any challenge, they ensure to complete the task. In 1938, when Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first landed here, imagine how it would have been. As we stand here to celebrate 100 years of it, I sincerely hope we are led to the grand vision that Netaji had for the city of Bengal and India, transforming a small air strip to the busiest airport. When I look at the journey of Kolkata Airport, it deeply resonates with the journey of the Indian Civil Aviation Sector.”
Highlighting the NSCBI’s growth since its establishment in 1924, he mentioned of its first-ever night landing using torches in November 1924, to its current stature as an airport serving over 2 crore passengers every year, along with crucial role during the pre-independence struggle, post-independence growth, and the LPG reforms.
The minister, who was accompanied by MoS Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, launched a commemorative coin, a centenary postal special cover and a coffee table book — ‘Art Works of Kolkata Airport’ — on the occasion. He also announced the introduction of a pocket-friendly ‘Uran Café,’ under the UDAN scheme, which will be run on a trial basis, marking the first such initiative in the country. A three-month-long celebration will feature exhibitions, cultural events, and community initiatives.
The others present at the event were Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Vipin Kumar, Chairman AAI and senior official of Ministry of Civil Aviation & Airport Authority of India.