The ministry of civil aviation has prioritised Kolkata airport in a major push to enhance international air connectivity, facilitating better access to Europe and Asia. Several international carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air India, are set to join operations, further expanding Kolkata’s reach as a global travel hub, sources said.

Union minister of civil aviation, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, has recognised Kolkata’s strategic importance and directed focused efforts to improve its connectivity. In line with this, the ministry has instructed Kolkata airport officials and technical personnel to attend a two-day workshop in Delhi to discuss expansion plans and operational improvements from Kolkata. Currently, Kolkata has limited direct flight connections to Europe, requiring travellers to rely on connecting flights via major hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai, Bangkok, or Singapore. While Kolkata enjoys strong connectivity with southeast Asian nations, the government is actively working to establish direct links to European destinations.

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A senior official from the civil aviation ministry stated: “The Indian government is committed to transforming city airport into a key hub for flights to both Europe and southeast Asia. Addressing challenges such as airline interest and infrastructure limitations is a priority in this endeavour.” As part of this initiative, major international airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air India, are expected to expand their operations through their respective hubs, ensuring improved connectivity to global destinations.

This expansion aligns with the 100-year celebration of Kolkata airport, underscoring its historical significance and future potential. Given its geographical advantage, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport is poised to play a crucial role in India’s aviation growth strategy, particularly in strengthening connections with Europe and Asia. With the implementation of this initiative, travellers from Kolkata will benefit from more affordable and convenient international travel options, reinforcing the city’s position as a pivotal hub in India’s aviation sector. “I also urged our officials to be globally competitive as we must set new benchmarks in speed and execution without compromising on quality. This 2-day workshop brings together AAI officials from different zones, fostering greater collaboration and a unified approach to strengthen our civil aviation sector.

“Inaugurated AAI’s workshop on Major Infrastructure Projects today, applauding AAI’s efforts in advancing regional connectivity, embracing digital innovation, and championing sustainability,” Minister Kinjarapu today wrote on his X-handle.