B’desh flyer dip a worry for Kol airport duty-free shops
Times of India | 30 January 2026
Kolkata: Duty-free stores at Kolkata airport that are set to go on the block after completion of the extended contract period will have to overcome the challenges of high store rent and slump in international flights to attract bidders.
Flemingo Duty Free that operates the outlets will bid again but wants the rent to be lowered so that it can offer liquor, chocolates and perfumes at attractive rates. Since Covid, it has been operating only two of the four outlets it bid for in 2016 due to a slump in international flights. But the situation has worsened as relations with Bangladesh hit a nadir, leading to a slash in flights between Kolkata and Dhaka from 11 a day to two. "Our biggest market was flyers from Bangladesh. Now, India is issuing visas to only patients and students — neither are liquor buyers. Chocolate sales were hit in the departure area due to the same reason," a Flemingo official said.
He conceded sales had also been affected by the high price of liquor when compared to Delhi and a few other airports. While Flemingo Duty Free used to flaunt its competitive price earlier and claim it was among the lowest in the world, private operators in other airports, including GMR in Delhi, have reduced rentals that have enabled duty-free store operators to reduce prices.
The firm, that also operates in Chennai, Trichy and Calicut, said rentals in Kolkata were the most expensive as the airport operator had to abide by govt norms and did not have the flexibility of private operators. The only silver lining is the impending return of Chinese airlines.
The tender for duty free stores at Kolkakta airport that was initially for seven years had been extended by three years, and will end this year. A fresh tender has been floated for 6,300 sq ft in the international arrival and departure areas. "The duty-free outlets must open at least three hours before the day's first arrival or departure, and remain open until 60 minutes after the last arrival or departure. The outlets must be open on all 365 days," an airport official said.
It was the lack of viability that forced the party that had won the bid to operate two liquor stores in the domestic wing to down shutters after six months. "Customers don't want to buy liquor at prices higher than that at off shops," an official said.