Kolkata Airport: Visitor Access And Guidelines Explained

Kolkata Airport, officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, is the sixth-busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic. It has one integrated terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. The airport offers a range of facilities for passengers, including lounges, smoking rooms, a massage centre, mobile charging points, and child care rooms. In terms of visitor access, there may be restrictions during heightened security alerts, such as around Independence Day, when only passengers with air tickets, regular airport staff, and security personnel are allowed inside the terminal. Outside of such security alerts, the airport provides a visitor entry ticket for Rs.100 per person, valid for three hours, and requiring a valid proof of ID.

Visitor entry restrictions during high security

Kolkata Airport, officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, has strict security protocols in place during high-security alerts. During such times, only passengers with valid air tickets, regular airport staff, airline personnel, and security personnel are permitted inside the terminal building. All temporary passes, including those for individuals accompanying passengers or for any work inside the airport, are suspended. These measures are implemented in response to security alerts from central security agencies, such as the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

During heightened security, the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) take charge of the airport's security. They deploy armed personnel, including a three-tier security system with CCTV monitoring, random frisking, and dog squads for enhanced screening. Local police forces also increase their presence, with a minimum of a 40% increase in deployment. Vehicle parking restrictions are enforced, and multiple checkpoints are set up on the road leading to the airport. Armed patrols and watchtowers are utilised to maintain strict vigilance.

To ensure smooth security operations, passengers are instructed not to carry any prohibited items, and they are advised to stay cautious about their baggage. Any bag or object left unattended for 15 minutes will be confiscated by security personnel. Additionally, the authorities request the cooperation of residents in the adjacent neighbourhoods, asking them to refrain from flying drones, crackers, or sky lanterns.

During high-security periods, the airport remains functional for departing and arriving passengers, but access is restricted solely to those with valid travel documents and personnel essential to airport operations and security. These measures are implemented to ensure the safety of travellers and staff, with the understanding that any inconvenience is necessary for the overall security of the airport and the city.

Visitor entry tickets and ID requirements

Kolkata Airport, also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, consists of a single passenger terminal. The airport is located in Dum Dum, 17km from the city centre of Kolkata, India.

The airport has three terminals designed for different purposes: the domestic terminal (T1), the international terminal (T2), and the cargo terminal (T2).

When entering the departure terminal, all passengers must go through security checks. To facilitate the inspection process, all metal objects such as mobile phones, keys, and other items must be placed in bags. All passengers must go through a Walk-Through Metal Detector (WTMD). Additionally, passengers and luggage can be manually checked by an Airport Security Officer if necessary.

• Tickets with corresponding dates
• Identity card or passport
• Visa (if needed)

It is important to note that Kolkata Airport provides Visa on Arrival (VOA) services.

Airport lounge access

Kolkata Airport, officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, is a busy airport that handled around 18 million passengers in 2022-23. The airport has one integrated terminal for both domestic and international flights.

Lounge Access

Lounges are available in multiple locations in the Domestic and International Departures areas of Kolkata Airport. These lounges offer world-class amenities, including a range of cuisines, comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a selection of national and international newspapers and magazines. The lounges are open 24 hours a day, catering to Airline CIP customers, as well as passengers with access through Priority Pass, high-end credit cards, and other loyalty cards.

Visitor Access

Kolkata Airport has had instances of restricting visitor access during heightened security protocols. For example, in August 2021, visitor entry was banned until August 20th due to a security alert ahead of Independence Day. During such times, only passengers with air tickets, regular airport staff, airline personnel, and security personnel are allowed inside the terminal building. It is important to check for any security alerts or protocol changes before planning a visit to the airport as a visitor.

Facilities and Services

Kolkata Airport offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the travel experience. These include:

• Massage centre or foot massage chairs
• Facilities for passengers with disabilities, including battery-operated golf carts, ramps for wheelchair movement, Braille symbols and auditory signals in lifts for the visually impaired, and disabled-friendly toilets
• Mobile charging points
• 24/7 medical services
• Self-check-in kiosks and self-baggage drop
• Smoking rooms
• Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes
• Child care rooms
• Foreign exchange counters
• ATMs

Airport facilities for visitors

Kolkata Airport, officially known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), offers a range of facilities for visitors. Here is an overview of the facilities available:

Terminals

Kolkata Airport has a modern, six-level L-shaped terminal divided into two wings: the domestic wing and the international wing. The former domestic terminal still handles regional flights, while the former international terminal caters to chartered Hajj flights. The new terminal features numerous eateries and retail shops, most of which are located airside.

Lounges

The airport provides lounges in multiple locations within the Domestic and International Departures areas. These lounges offer world-class amenities, including a variety of cuisines, comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a wide range of national and international newspapers and magazines. The lounges are accessible to Airline CIP customers, as well as passengers with Priority Pass, high-end credit cards, or other loyalty cards.

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport for up to 30 minutes. To connect, passengers need to provide their mobile numbers as login IDs or contact the help desk. This service provides a secure and high-speed connection while waiting for flights.

Medical Services

The airport offers round-the-clock medical facilities at the terminal. The Medical Inspection Room is managed by Medica Super Speciality Hospital and can be contacted at 25691128 or 9903388004. In case of an emergency, passengers can also reach out to the Airport Manager to arrange for medical assistance.

Currency Exchange and ATMs

For the convenience of passengers, there are seven foreign exchange counters located within the airport, primarily in the Arrivals area. Additionally, ATMs from various banks are conveniently positioned at vantage points throughout the airport, ensuring easy access to cash.

Child Care Facilities

Child care rooms are available to assist parents in providing essentials to their children or infants, such as feeding and changing diapers. There are three rooms in the Departures area and one room in the Arrivals area (Lower Level).

Smoking Rooms

Smoking is prohibited in most areas of the airport, but designated smoking rooms are located across the terminal, including the check-in area, Security Hold Area, and arrivals.

Luggage Storage and Lockers

The airport offers luggage storage facilities for up to 30 days. The rates are Rs.20/- per bag for the first 24 hours and Rs.40/- per bag per day thereafter, up to a maximum of 30 days. There are two storage locations: one in Arrivals (Counter 18 near Gate 3C) and the other in Departures (near Gate 3C and the Airport Manager's office).

Transportation

The airport is served by the West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC), providing air-conditioned buses to various destinations. Car rental services are also available on-site through Wenzcars, which operates 24 hours a day. Prepaid and on-demand taxis can be found outside the terminal.

Visitor parking

Kolkata Airport has both domestic and international terminals, with designated car parking facilities available at both. The car parking areas are operational 24 hours a day, with specific pick-up and drop-off points assigned across terminals. Two-wheeler parking is also available.

The parking charges vary depending on the duration of parking and the type of vehicle. For instance, for the first 30 minutes, there is an introductory slab rate. From 30 minutes to 2 hours, there is a set rate, and after 2 hours, the rate increases by Rs. 20/- per hour. For two-wheelers, the charges after the initial 2 hours are Rs. 10/- per hour. For longer stays, the parking rate beyond 7 hours up to 24 hours will be 300% of the first two-hour rate, and this rate will be charged for every 24 hours or part thereof.

It is important to note that there may be times when visitor access to the airport is restricted due to security reasons. For example, in August 2021, visitor entry was banned ahead of Independence Day due to security alerts. During such times, only passengers with air tickets, regular airport staff, airline staff, and security personnel are allowed inside the terminal building.

For the most up-to-date information on visitor parking and access, it is recommended to check the official website or social media pages of Kolkata Airport, or contact the airport authorities directly.

Frequently asked questions