A Major Push for Bengal's Skies
West Bengal is set to dramatically expand its aviation map, with plans to build four new airports across the state and a second international airport for the Kolkata metropolitan region. On October 5, 2026, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the new facilities under the Centre's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme. This landmark agreement aims to double the number of airports in the state from four to eight within the next two years, representing a significant push to enhance connectivity, tourism, and economic growth. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu confirmed the Centre's full support for the initiative, which includes a second airport for Kolkata.
Why Kolkata Needs a Second Airport
Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport is facing increasing pressure. As one of the country's busiest aviation hubs, it is grappling with capacity constraints due to rising passenger numbers and cargo traffic. With limited scope for physical expansion at the existing Dum Dum location, the need for a second airport has become critical to accommodate future growth and prevent operational bottlenecks. The state government announced the plan for a new greenfield airport in its 2026 budget, envisioning a facility on par with the new airports being developed for Delhi and Mumbai to serve the Kolkata Metropolitan Region. The development is seen as essential for securing Kolkata’s status as the primary aviation gateway for eastern India.
Kalyani: The Frontrunner for Airport Number Two
The proposed site for Kolkata's second airport is near Kalyani in the Nadia district, approximately 50 kilometres from the city centre. The state has identified around 2,000 acres of land across nine 'mouzas' (administrative districts) for this greenfield project. To facilitate the land acquisition process, the government has already imposed temporary restrictions on property transactions in these areas. The site's proximity to the Kalyani Expressway and National Highway 12 makes it a strategic choice for connectivity. However, the project is not without its challenges. Some aviation experts have raised concerns about the proposed location's proximity to the flight path of the existing Kolkata airport, which could create airspace congestion and safety issues that will need to be resolved.
Four New Regional Gateways
Beyond Kolkata, the broader plan focuses on boosting regional connectivity across the state. The four new airports will be located at Chharra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, and Hasimara in Alipurduar. These projects will be developed under the UDAN scheme, with the Centre committing ₹29,000 crore for West Bengal's aviation sector over the next decade. The facilities at Kalaikunda and Hasimara will be developed as civil enclaves at existing Air Force bases, which already have long runways capable of handling narrow-bodied jets like the Airbus A320. The historic airstrip at Chharra will be redeveloped, and the Balurghat airport will be revived to improve links between North and South Bengal.
The Road Ahead: Timelines and Collaboration
The development of these four regional airports is on a fast track, with a targeted completion timeline of the next two years. Under the MoU, the state government is responsible for providing the necessary land and basic infrastructure like water and electricity, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will manage the development and eventual operation of the airports. This collaborative framework is designed to overcome previous delays, which officials have attributed to challenges in land acquisition. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has affirmed the state's readiness to provide the required land, including the 2,000 acres for the Kalyani project, to ensure these crucial infrastructure upgrades move forward without further hurdles.
