Celebrating A Century Of Indian Aviation History!

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, stands as a testament to India’s remarkable aviation journey. Established in 1924, the airport, initially known as the Dum Dum Aerodrome, has evolved over the years to play a pivotal role in the aviation history of the Eastern and Northeastern regions. This year marks the airport’s centenary celebrations, offering a moment to reflect on its rich legacy and its potential as a future international hub.

The Bengal and Northeastern regions of India, endowed with breathtaking natural beauty and a rich tapestry of cultural diversity, are poised for a tourism renaissance. Their strategic geographical location, coupled with proximity to international borders, presents a plethora of opportunities for both domestic and inbound tourism. To unlock this potential and pave the way for a dynamic future, focusing on strategic air connectivity, both international and regional – across the region is crucial. As we celebrate 100 years of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (NSCB) International Airport in Kolkata, it’s vital to acknowledge its unparalleled role in shaping aviation history and tourism in the country and the region.

A Century Of Milestones

The story of NSCB Airport reflects a century of achievements and resilience. Initially a civilian airstrip, Dum Dum Aerodrome became a strategic base during World War II, serving the Allied forces. In the 1950s, the airport marked India’s first international connections, linking the country to Europe and Southeast Asia, paving the way for global travel from the region. Renamed in 1995 after the freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the airport embraced modernization with the inauguration of the integrated terminal (T2) in 2013, making it a state-of-the-art facility. Notably, it was awarded the National Tourism Award for being the Best Tourist-Friendly Airport in 2022.

However, despite this rich legacy, NSCB Airport currently lags behind other Indian metros in terms of international connectivity. While cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru boast an array of global destinations, Kolkata maintains direct connections with 50 destinations in India through 9 domestic airlines and only 14 international cities, served by 18 airlines. This highlights a significant opportunity: leveraging Kolkata’s strategic position to enhance its status as a global aviation hub.

Infrastructure Highlights

NSCB Airport covers a sprawling 1,641 acres, with modern runways suitable for large Code-E aircraft and a combined capacity of 58 aircraft movements per hour. The integrated terminal spans over 1,89,815 square meters, with an annual passenger capacity of 26 million. Parking facilities for 1,000 vehicles and apron space for 74 aircraft further bolster its infrastructure. Projections indicate that by 2028-29, the airport will cater to nearly 38 million passengers annually, showcasing its potential to handle growing demand.

Passenger & Flight Statistics

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport experienced a steady trajectory of growth leading up to the global pandemic, as evidenced by the 22.02 million passengers and 165,760 flights in the financial year 2019-20. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there was a dramatic decline in air traffic worldwide, and Kolkata Airport was no exception. During 2020-21, passenger numbers plummeted to 7.728 million, with flight operations reduced to 72,170—a stark reflection of the impact of the pandemic.

Recovery began in 2021-22, as passenger traffic rose to 11.036 million and flights increased to 99,865. This upward trend continued into 2022-23, when the airport handled 17.768 million passengers and 137,298 flights, signaling a strong recovery. Most recently, in 2023-24, the numbers climbed further to 19.487 million passengers and 140,879 flights, nearing pre-pandemic levels.

Looking forward, the airport is projected to surpass its pre-pandemic performance, with passenger traffic expected to reach 25 million by the end of the current financial year 2024-25, reaffirming its position as a key aviation hub in Eastern India and highlighting its role in driving regional and international connectivity.

Strategic Connectivity

THE KEY TO TRANSFORMATION: Kolkata’s geographical location positions it as a natural hub connecting Eastern India with its neighbors—Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh—as well as broader South Asian and Pacific regions. This proximity to international borders along with its strategic geographical location is a game-changer for economic and tourism growth. Enhanced cross-border collaborations, like the BBIN motor vehicle agreement, can foster seamless travel and trade. Initiatives such as regional road and waterway connectivity and simplified visa procedures are essential to enable hassle-free movement across borders, driving regional integration and inbound tourism.

Bengal, with its rich cultural and natural heritage from the mountains of the Himalayas to the mangroves of Sundarbans, stands to gain immensely from improved air connectivity. As a global tourist destination, it can capitalize on shared border opportunities and its sweet spot in Eastern South Asia.

Looking Forward

The centennial celebration of NSCB Airport is not just a moment to reflect on its storied past but an opportunity to envision a transformative future. By addressing gaps in international connectivity, Kolkata can emerge as a hub that integrates regional and global networks, redefining socioeconomic structures in Bengal and beyond.

Seamless connectivity will unlock East and Northeast India’s full tourism potential, enabling a dynamic, prosperous future for the region. With collaborative efforts between stakeholders and policymakers, NSCB Airport can soar to greater heights, creating a legacy for the next century. It was a pleasure to attend the Inaugural Function on 21st December 2024 commemorating the 100 Glorious Years of NSCBI Airport, Kolkata. Thanks to the Airport Authority of India, NSCBI Kolkata for your invitatyion to attend this landmark event celebrates a century of excellence and service in aviation.