West Bengal, the fourth most populous state in India, enjoys great connectivity nationally and regionally. Its airports play a vital role in fostering tourism and driving economic growth. With plans underway to expand existing airports and build new ones, these aviation hubs contribute to enhancing the living standards, generating employment opportunities and stimulating tourism. Currently, West Bengal boasts two international airports, five domestic airports, six military airbases and two private airstrips, collectively supporting multifaceted development initiatives.
See also: Kolkata Airport: Facts, infrastructure and expansion
International airports in West Bengal
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Situated approximately 15 km from Kolkata’s city centre, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport stands as a customs airport in the capital city of West Bengal. Established in 1924, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest airports in India. Serving as a vital aviation hub in the eastern region, it is the sixth busiest airport nationwide. Boasting extensive connectivity, it facilitates flights to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Middle East and ASEAN countries. Operated by the Airports Authority of India, the Kolkata Airport operates round the clock, ensuring seamless air travel services.
Kolkata Airport: Key facts
| Airport name | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport |
| Address | Jessore Rd, Dum Dum, Kolkata, West Bengal- 700052 |
| Area Served | Kolkata |
| Owned By | Airports Authority of India |
| Established In | 1900 |
| International status | 1924 |
| Distance from Kolkata city centre | 15 km |
| Runways | Runway 1: 3,300 m x 46 m Runway 2: 3,860 m x 46 m |
| IATA Code | CCU |
| ICAO Code | VECC |
| Terminal Area | Terminal 2 is spread over an area of 2,33,000 sq. mt. |
Bagdogra International Airport, Siliguri
Located in Bagdogra and serving the city of Siliguri, the Bagdogra Airport operates as a customs airport. It also serves as a civil enclave for the Bagdogra Air Force Station. Situated 12 km from the city centre, this airport functions as a vital transportation and tourist hub, accommodating a substantial volume of passengers annually. Serving as a gateway to the renowned hill stations of Kurseong, Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Gangtok, it is the second busiest airport in West Bengal. Managed by the Airports Authority of India, Bagdogra Airport plays a vital role in regional connectivity and tourism development.
Bagdogra Airport: Key facts
| Airport name | Bagdogra International Airport |
| Address | M8PG+25X, Distt. Darjeeling Siliguri, Bagdogra, West Bengal-734421 |
| Area Served | Siliguri |
| Owned By | Airports Authority of India |
| International status | 2002 |
| Distance from Siliguri city centre | 12 km |
| Runways | 2,750 m |
| IATA Code | IXB |
| ICAO Code | VEBD |
| Terminal capacity | Approximately 25 lakh passengers in 2022-2023 |
Domestic airports in West Bengal
Cooch Behar Airport, Cooch Behar
The Cooch Behar Airport caters to Cooch Behar and parts of Assam and North Bengal. Operating exclusively during daylight hours, the airport is situated 6.2 km from the city centre. Despite its limited operational hours, it provides crucial air connectivity to Kolkata, facilitating regional travel and transportation needs.
Cooch Behar Airport: Key facts
| Airport name | Cooch Behar Airport |
| Address | 8FH9+VWQ, Shankar Rd, Cooch Behar, West Bengal 736101 |
| Area served | Cooch Behar, Alipurduar and some parts of Assam |
| Owned by | Indian Air Force and Airports Authority of India |
| Established in | 1948 |
| Distance from Cooch Behar city centre | 6.2 km |
| Runway | 1,069 m x 30 m |
| IATA Code | COH |
| ICAO Code | VECO |
| Terminal capacity | Approximately 50 passengers at a time |
Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Durgapur
The Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport serves Asansol and Durgapur. Named after the renowned Bengali poet, the airport is strategically located near Asansol (39 km) and Raniganj (21 km). Equipped with a helipad and four parking spots on the airport apron, it serves as a vital air transit point. Offering commercial flights to major destinations like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai, it ranks as West Bengal’s third busiest airport.
Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport: Key facts
| Airport name | Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport |
| Address | Service Cluster Block Building, Block-Andal, Airport Approach Rd, Durgapur, West Bengal 713363 |
| Area served | Durgapur and Asansol |
| Owned by | Bengal Aerotropolis Projects |
| Operated by | Airports Authority of India |
| Established in | 2013 |
| Distance from Asansol city centre | 39 km |
| Distance from Raniganj city centre | 21 km |
| Runway | 1,069 m x 30 m |
| IATA Code | RDP |
| ICAO Code | VEDG |
| Terminal capacity | Approximately 2.5 million passers annually |
Non-operational airports in West Bengal
There are several other airports in West Bengal that are currently non-operational.
Malda Airport
Malda Airport is a domestic airport situated in the Malda District, covering approximately 140 acres of land. Equipped with a single runway, measuring 1,097 m x 30 m, the airport facilitates operations for helicopters and small aircraft. With a capacity to accommodate around 20 passengers, it has remained non-operational since 1989. However, reconstruction efforts commenced in 2017.
Balurghat Airport
Balurghat Airport, located 6 km from Balurghat’s city centre and 34 km from Gangarampur, was established during World War II. Although Vayudoot operated from the airport in 1984, operations ceased due to insufficient passenger traffic and navigation systems. Spanning across 132 acre, the airport features a runway measuring 1,495 m × 30 m.
Other airports in West Bengal
In addition to international and domestic airports, West Bengal boasts private airstrips, flying clubs and military airports.
Burnpur Airport
Burnpur Airport, situated in Burnpur, Asansol, functions as a private airstrip under the ownership of IISCO Steel Plant. Capable of accommodating small aircraft, the airstrip features a runway measuring 1,220 m x 23 m.
Behala Airport
Behala Airport in Kolkata’s Behala serves as a flying club sprawling across 210 acres. Currently, the Airports Authority of India is planning to transform this secondary airport into a commercial hub.
Durgapur Steel Plant Airport
Owned by the Durgapur Steel Plant, Durgapur Steel Plant Airport, though non-operational, is an integral part of the region’s aviation infrastructure.
Housing.com POV
West Bengal, a significant state in eastern India, thrives on robust aviation connectivity, both nationally and regionally. With ambitious plans to expand existing airports and construct new ones, these aviation hubs serve as vital catalysts for tourism promotion and economic growth. Accommodating international and domestic travellers, these airports enhance living standards, generate employment and foster tourism development. Furthermore, with a diverse range of airports, including international, domestic, private and military, West Bengal’s aviation infrastructure is poised for multifaceted growth and development in the years to come.
FAQs
How many international airports are there in West Bengal?
West Bengal boasts two international airports: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri.
How many domestic airports are there in West Bengal?
West Bengal has several domestic airports, including Cooch Behar Airport, Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport, Malda Airport and Balurghat Airport.
What are the key features of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport?
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is located approximately 15 km from Kolkata’s city centre and is one of the oldest airports in India. It serves as a vital aviation hub in the eastern region, ranking as the sixth busiest airport nationwide. The airport offers extensive connectivity to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Middle East and ASEAN countries.
What is the operational status of Cooch Behar Airport?
Cooch Behar Airport serves as a domestic airport catering to Cooch Behar city in West Bengal along with parts of Assam and North Bengal. The airport operates exclusively during daylight hours and offers crucial air connectivity to Kolkata, facilitating regional travel and transportation needs.
What is the operational status of Malda Airport?
Malda Airport, situated in the Malda District, has been non-operational since 1989. However, reconstruction efforts began in 2017 to revive its operations.
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