Bengal govt all set to present Assembly resolution to demand direct flights to US, European nations from Kolkata
“We are getting recognition from across the world, but we have no direct flights to Europe and America,” said state Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya.
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Kolkata's direct flights to London were stopped on March 20, 2022, when the last Air India flight departed. (Representational Image)Demanding direct flights from Kolkata to cities in the United States of America and European countries, the West Bengal government is all set to present a resolution in the Assembly. The move, according to political experts, is to create pressure not only on the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation but also on private airlines to keep Kolkata on the world’s radar.
The motion under Rule 185 will be brought up in the ongoing winter session of the state legislative Assembly. According to the state government, currently there is no direct flight to Europe and the US from the Kolkata International Airport.
State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said, “It was a matter of pride for the Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International airport that many flights were there which directly went to the United States of America or Europe. But gradually, all those flight operations were stopped. The ‘international’ character of the airport of Kolkata also diminished. Nowadays, we are getting recognition from across the world, but we have no direct flights to Europe and America.”
The Kolkata airport was the first in eastern India to receive the Beluga XL aircraft on October 8, carrying essential components for Airbus aircraft. The airport was chosen for the Beluga XL’s stopover due to its robust infrastructure and technical capabilities, according to officials.
She added, “Increase of international flights will also increase the scope of the tourism industry of Bengal.”
Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria, director of the airport, speaking with The Indian Express, “As of now, I have no knowledge about the state bringing any motion on this but if they are, then it is good.”
“Talks are on regarding the addition of more international flights. Facilities in the airport are also being upgraded,” said an official at the airport.
Kolkata’s direct flights to London were stopped on March 20, 2022, when the last Air India flight departed. This weekly service, which would operate at near capacity, was discontinued due to various factors. After a gap of 13 years, it was reintroduced in 2020 with two flights weekly, which was reduced to one flight the following month. Despite recent improvements in passenger loads, the decision to withdraw the service left Kolkata without a direct European link.
Currently, travellers rely on connecting flights to fly to the US and European countries from Kolkata. Although there are 137 direct international flights operated by Air India from the Kolkata airport, there are no direct flights to US and Europe.
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