Revive Behala airport, Bengal CM urges civil aviation minister
Times of India | 1 September 2026
Kolkata: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari has written to Union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, requesting the revival and operationalisation of Behala airport.
“Behala airport has a runway of 915 metres, which is adequate for operation of ATR-72 passenger aircraft, air ambulance and chartered flights. As per findings of a recently conducted drone survey, the airport is in possession of 215.6 acres spread over three mouzas under Kolkata block: Gopalpur, Behala and Porui,” he wrote.
Arguing in favour of reviving the airport, Adhikari said it could play a significant role in decongesting NSCBI Airport at Dum Dum. “Behala airport will greatly boost the industrial development of Kolkata and South 24 Parganas. It will also improve regional connectivity, support medical evacuation, and provide impetus to tourism and trade in south Bengal,” chief minister told the aviation minister, urging him to consider commencement of commercial operations, including UDAN/regional connectivity services at the earliest.
“The state govt will extend all possible support and facilitation for land, security, and other clearances required for this purpose,” Adhikari said.
Aviation industry experts said one of the biggest challenges for introducing fixed-wing aircraft services, including ATR, was flight safety as many buildings had mushroomed around the airport. “Obstacles have to be mapped and removed for operations to happen,” said a veteran pilot. Another hurdle is the narrow access road to the airport.