Owais Crawford
Kolkata, the largest city in eastern and northeastern India, is served by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which is located in the Dum Dum area of the city. The airport, which is about 16 km (9.9 mi) from the city centre, is well within the city limits. It is one of the oldest airports in India, having opened in 1924, and is the primary aviation hub for eastern and northeastern India.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Kolkata Airport | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport |
| Location | Dum Dum, 16-17 km from the city centre of Kolkata |
| Year of Opening | 1924 |
| Area | 6.64 square kilometres |
| Terminal Area | 233,000 m2 |
| Annual Passenger Capacity | 25 million |
| Number of Check-in Counters | 128 |
| Number of Immigration Counters | 78 |
| Number of Customs Counters | 12 |
| Number of Aerobridges | 18 |
| Number of Remote Parking Bays | 57 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is located in Dum Dum, 16-17 km from the city centre
- The airport is well-connected to the city centre via prepaid taxis, air-conditioned buses, and ride-hailing services
- Kolkata's old international and domestic terminals closed when the integrated terminal T2 opened
- The airport is the sixth-busiest in India and is a major centre for flights to Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East
- Kolkata is also home to the smaller Behala Flying Club Airport, located 15 km from the city centre
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is located in Dum Dum, 16-17 km from the city centre
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is Kolkata's main airport. It is located in Dum Dum, within the city limits of Kolkata, approximately 16-17 kilometres from the city centre. The airport is a short distance from Dalhousie Square and Howrah Rail Junction, which are 16 kilometres away via the Howrah Bridge.
The airport is a major hub for air traffic in eastern India, serving the city of Kolkata and the surrounding metropolitan area. It is the sixth-busiest airport in India by passenger traffic, handling around 20 million passengers in the 2023-24 financial year. The airport also has a well-established cargo operation, with a 25% growth in international cargo movement to and from Kolkata.
The airport has good transport connections to the city centre, with prepaid taxis, air-conditioned buses, and ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola operating regularly. The Kolkata Metro also serves the airport, with two new lines under construction that will provide additional access. The airport is easily accessible by car, with a flyover and entry ramp constructed to speed up journey times. There are also ample parking facilities, with two underground levels accommodating 3,000 cars and additional outdoor parking for 2,000 more.
The airport's new integrated terminal, T2, covers 233,000 square metres and can handle 25 million passengers annually. It features 128 check-in counters, 78 immigration counters, and 12 customs counters, as well as 18 aerobridges and 57 remote parking bays. The terminal offers a range of shopping and dining options, lounges, and business services.
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The airport is well-connected to the city centre via prepaid taxis, air-conditioned buses, and ride-hailing services
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, or Kolkata Airport, is located around 9.4 km from the city centre. The airport is well-connected to the city centre via various means of transportation, including prepaid taxis, air-conditioned buses, and ride-hailing services.
Prepaid taxis are a convenient and safe option for travellers. Reputable companies like Welcome Pickups offer fixed-rate fares, typically around €4 (INR 350), and modern vehicles with fluent English-speaking drivers. Tickets for prepaid taxis can be purchased from a kiosk inside the airport near Gate 3C, and drivers will be waiting just outside the arrivals hall exit doors. This option helps travellers avoid unregulated private taxis, which may be unsafe and prone to overcharging.
Air-conditioned buses operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) connect the airport to major parts of Kolkata. These buses run from 08:00 to 21:00 every day, and fares range from 20RS (state local) to 100RS (Volvo AC). The VS1 bus connects the airport to the downtown area, while the V1 bus goes to Tollygunge in south Kolkata. However, bus travel is subject to the city's dense traffic, so it may not be the quickest option.
Additionally, ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola operate regularly at Kolkata Airport, providing travellers with convenient and flexible transportation options to the city centre.
The journey time from the airport to the city centre can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, ranging from 30 minutes in light traffic to over 90 minutes during rush hour. Therefore, it is advisable to allow ample time when travelling to or from the airport to account for Kolkata's notoriously heavy traffic.
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Kolkata's old international and domestic terminals closed when the integrated terminal T2 opened
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, locally known as Dum Dum Airport, is located about 16 km (9.9 mi) northeast of the city centre of Kolkata. It is the primary aviation hub for eastern and northeastern India, serving as a crucial link between India and the world.
The airport underwent a modernisation plan, which included improvements to the existing terminals, such as adding extra ticketing counters, check-in kiosks, and cafes to the domestic terminal in 2009. However, the need to replace the terminals entirely led to the construction of a new integrated terminal, known as T2, to serve both international and domestic destinations. The Thai-based company Italian-Thai Development (ITD) Corporation and Project Management Consultant-Parsons Brinckerhoff were hired, along with Delhi-based designer Sikka Associates Architects, to construct the new terminal. Construction began in November 2008, and T2 was inaugurated on 20 January 2013, marking the end of Phase 1 of the Kolkata Airport expansion project.
Kolkata's old international and domestic terminals closed permanently when the integrated terminal T2 opened. However, there were plans to renovate the old international terminal for future Hajj services, while the domestic terminal could be used by regional airlines. The new integrated terminal T2 is spread over 233,000 m2 (2,510,000 sq ft) and can handle 25 million passengers annually, a significant increase from the previous terminal T1's capacity of five million. The terminal is designed with six levels and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the passenger experience. It features 128 check-in counters, 78 immigration counters, twelve customs counters, and 18 aerobridges, providing a streamlined and comfortable travel experience for passengers travelling to and from Kolkata.
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The airport is the sixth-busiest in India and is a major centre for flights to Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, or Kolkata Airport, is one of the busiest airports in India. It is located in Dum Dum, a neighbourhood in the northern part of Kolkata, and is about 16 km (9.9 mi) from the city centre. The airport is a major aviation hub for eastern and northeastern India, serving as a crucial gateway for travellers to and from the region.
In the financial year 2023-24, Kolkata Airport handled approximately 20 million passengers, making it the sixth-busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic. The airport is a vital centre for flights to various destinations, including Northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Southeast Asia, and Middle Eastern cities such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
The airport's new integrated Terminal 2 spans 233,000 square metres and significantly enhances its capacity. Terminal 2 can accommodate up to 25 million passengers annually, a substantial increase from the previous Terminal 1's capacity of five million. This new terminal features an L-shaped structure with six levels and is equipped with modern facilities, including 128 check-in counters, 78 immigration counters, and twelve customs counters.
Kolkata Airport's role as a significant travel hub is further emphasised by its wide range of connectivity options. The airport offers seamless domestic and international air travel, with regular flights to all metropolitan cities in India and numerous international destinations. Additionally, the airport has a well-established system of prepaid taxis and air-conditioned buses that efficiently connect it to the city centre. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola also regularly operate to and from the airport.
The airport has not rested on its laurels but has continued to expand and modernise its facilities. For instance, a flyover at Nagerbazar and an entry ramp on VIP Road have been constructed to reduce travel times to the airport. The authorities are also planning to expand the airport premises to handle more flights and passengers in the future. This includes utilising unutilised space, constructing small building extensions, and increasing runway capacity.
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Kolkata is also home to the smaller Behala Flying Club Airport, located 15 km from the city centre
Kolkata is served by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, located in the Dum Dum area of the city. The airport is approximately 16 km (9.9 mi) from the city centre and is the primary aviation hub for eastern and northeastern India. It is one of the oldest airports in the country, having opened in 1924.
In addition to this major airport, Kolkata is also home to the smaller Behala Flying Club Airport, located just 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the city centre. This airport is also known as the Behala Flying Training Institute and is recognised by its ICAO code VEBA. The airport is currently quite small, but there are plans to develop it into a full-fledged commercial airport to ease the pressure on the larger Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The proposed expansion includes lengthening the runway to 4,500 feet (1.4 km).
Behala Flying Club Airport is located in the southern part of Kolkata, in the neighbourhood of Behala, which gives the airport its name. Behala is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River, which flows through the city of Kolkata. The airport is easily accessible from other parts of the city by road, with Behala Flying Club Road being the main access point.
The Behala Flying Club has a rich history and has played an important role in aviation in Kolkata. It is home to a flying school, which has trained many pilots over the years. The club has also been a popular destination for recreational flying and has offered joyrides and aerial tours of the city for tourists and locals alike.
The presence of two airports within the city limits demonstrates the importance of aviation in Kolkata and the region's strong aviation infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the airport is located in Dum Dum, about 16 km (9.9 mi) north-east of the city centre.
The airport is easily accessible from the city centre by taxi, bus, or the Kolkata Metro.
The Eco Park, a 104-acre park with grasslands, an urban forest, and wetlands, is located just 10 kilometers from the airport. The Missionaries of Charity's Mother House, established by Mother Teresa in 1950, is also a popular attraction near the airport.
Kolkata Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is rated as a 3-Star Regional Airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, staff service, and security/immigration.
Yes, there are two other airports in Kolkata: Behala Flying Club Airport and the old domestic terminal of Kolkata's main airport. Behala Flying Club Airport is located at the southern edge of Kolkata's metropolis and is used primarily for private flying and pilot training. The old domestic terminal of Kolkata's main airport is no longer in use, but there are plans to renovate it for future hajj services.
