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This is an archive article published on February 6, 2025
At BGBS, Mamata Banerjee urges British delegation to establish direct flight connection between Kolkata and Europe
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed interest in fostering a business relationship with Thailand.
The Chief Minister's request comes at a time when discussions are on regarding the addition of more international flights and the upgradation of facilities at the Kolkata airport.(Image: X/@BengalSummit)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the British delegation at the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) 2025 on Thursday to consider starting direct flights to Europe from Kolkata, citing the long travel time.
During an international session on Wednesday, she expressed her fondness for London saying, “I have visited so many times, but it is so time-consuming. I am also going to Oxford University in October, I have been invited. I will request you to hold a business meeting and discuss these important matters.”
The Chief Minister’s request comes at a time when discussions are on regarding the addition of more international flights and the upgradation of facilities at the Kolkata airport. An airport official said, “Talks are on regarding the addition of more international flights. Facilities in the airport are also being upgraded.”
Kolkata’s direct flights to London were discontinued on March 20, 2022, with the last flight being that of Air India. The weekly service, which often operated near capacity, was terminated. This service had been reintroduced in 2020 after a 13-year hiatus, initially offering two weekly flights, which was later reduced to one flight per week. Despite recent improvements in passenger loads, the service was withdrawn, leaving Kolkata without a direct European connection. At present, travellers have to rely on connecting flights to reach the US and Europe from Kolkata.
Banerjee also expressed her interest in fostering a business relationship with Thailand. She directly informed the Thai representative at the trade conference about her desire to strengthen these ties. “I want to go to Thailand,” she said, encouraging the Thai representative to organise business summits and invite West Bengal.
After the Thai representative, Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Acting Ambassador of the Thai Embassy in Delhi, delivered his speech, the Chief Minister added, “Thai food is very famous. Do you organize any such business summit there?” Amit Mitra, the Chief Minister’s financial advisor, noted that ASEAN country summits are held in Thailand. Banerjee further shared a personal connection, saying, “I have relatives in Thailand.”
Kolkata is hosting a two-day business summit, BGBS 2025, on February 5 and 6 to attract investments in the state.
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