Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

Kolkata, West Bengal

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Category: Airports

About

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport), located in Dum Dum, Kolkata, is the primary aviation hub for eastern and northeastern India. Established in 1924 as Dum Dum Airport, it was renamed in 1995 to honor the prominent Indian independence leader, Subhas Chandra Bose. The airport serves as a crucial gateway connecting Kolkata and the surrounding regions to major domestic and international destinations, handling over 21 million passengers annually and playing a vital role in India's aviation infrastructure.

History & Background

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport was established in 1924 as Dum Dum Airport, making it one of India's oldest airports. The airport has a rich history spanning over a century, having served as a significant aviation facility during the British colonial era and continuing to be a major hub in independent India. In 1995, the airport was renamed to honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent Indian independence leader. The airport celebrated its 100th anniversary in December 2024, marking a century of contributions to India's aviation sector. Over the decades, the airport has undergone significant expansions and modernizations to accommodate growing passenger traffic and enhance facilities, evolving from a small airfield to a major international airport serving millions of passengers each year.

Infrastructure & Features

  • Integrated Terminal (T2): The main terminal, inaugurated in 2013, spans 233,000 square meters and can accommodate 25 million passengers annually

  • Primary Runway (01R/19L): The main runway with a capacity of approximately 35 flights per hour

  • Secondary Runway (01L/19R): The secondary runway handling up to 15 flights per hour

  • Modern Facilities: The terminal features state-of-the-art facilities including check-in counters, immigration services, customs, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and passenger amenities

  • Expansion Plans: Plans underway to construct a new terminal (T1) north of the existing T2, aiming to increase the airport's capacity to 33 million passengers annually

  • Cargo Facilities: Comprehensive cargo handling facilities supporting freight operations

Airlines & Connectivity

  • Hub Status: Serves as a hub for airlines including Air India Express, Blue Dart Aviation, IndiGo, and Alliance Air

  • Domestic Destinations: Connects to major cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and other regional destinations

  • International Destinations: Offers flights to various international destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and other regions

  • Passenger Traffic: Handled approximately 21.8 million passengers in the financial year 2024–25, marking a 10.3% increase from the previous year

Location & Connectivity

  • Location: Dum Dum, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

  • Distance from City Center: Approximately 17 km from central Kolkata

  • Major Railway Stations:

    • Sealdah Railway Station – approx. 10 km

    • Howrah Railway Station – approx. 15 km

    • Kolkata Railway Station – approx. 12 km

  • Metro Station: Dum Dum Metro Station (Blue Line) – directly accessible via airport metro connection

The airport is strategically located in Dum Dum, providing excellent connectivity to Kolkata city center and surrounding areas. The airport metro connection offers direct access to the city's metro network, making it convenient for passengers to reach various parts of Kolkata and beyond.

Communication & Transport Modes

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is well connected by road, metro, and rail. The airport metro connection provides direct access to Dum Dum Metro Station on the Blue Line, offering seamless connectivity to various parts of Kolkata. Public bus services operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation and other operators provide regular connectivity to the airport. Taxis, app-based cab services, and private vehicles can access the airport via well-maintained roads. The airport is easily accessible from major railway stations including Sealdah, Howrah, and Kolkata stations, making it convenient for both local passengers and tourists. The airport's location in Dum Dum provides excellent road connectivity to central Kolkata and surrounding areas, with multiple access routes available for passengers arriving from different parts of the city and region.

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