The Kolkata kite festival planned at Eco Park in New Town is facing an aviation-safety objection from Kolkata airport authorities, who have asked the state tourism department to consider changing the venue before the proposed Friday event. The airport operator has also written to the North 24 Parganas district magistrate and the Bidhannagar police commissioner, warning that kite-flying activity could affect aircraft operations.
According to the report by Sanmarg, the proposed venue is around five kilometres from Kolkata airport and lies close to aircraft approach and take-off paths. Airport officials have said the location falls within the area used by aircraft during critical phases of operation, when low-altitude kites could create a safety hazard.
The airport’s concern extends beyond the presence of kites in the sky. Large kites and strong synthetic string, or manja, could potentially be drawn into an aircraft engine, damage compressor blades or become entangled with landing gear, the report said. Fallen kites and discarded string could also reach runways or taxiways, creating debris that may need to be removed before aircraft movement can continue.
Some pilots have reportedly raised concerns about kite-flying around the airport, particularly during landing and take-off. The report cited a pilot as saying that kites near flight paths could require air traffic control to alter aircraft routes, place flights in holding patterns or issue a Notice to Airmen, known as a NOTAM, if operational warnings became necessary. Such measures could affect flight schedules.
The airport authorities have also flagged other light and airborne hazards associated with public celebrations. They have previously raised concerns about laser use during events, as intense beams can temporarily affect a pilot’s vision during landing. Restrictions are similarly applied to sky lanterns during Diwali because of the risks they pose to aircraft operations.
The tourism department had reportedly written to airport officials several days before the festival seeking the necessary permission and asking for guidance to ensure that the event did not interfere with safe flight operations. The airport’s response, however, has focused on the suitability of Eco Park as the venue rather than only on operational conditions during the event.
The proposed festival is linked to the traditional kite-flying season around Vishwakarma Puja, when kite-flying is widely observed in parts of the country. The airport has referred to the challenges seen during Uttarayan at Ahmedabad airport in January, when the Airports Authority of India issued a NOTAM warning pilots about daytime kite-flying and illuminated kites at night during aircraft arrivals and departures.
The final decision on the venue and any safety conditions for the event remains with the tourism department and the relevant district and police authorities. The airport’s correspondence has placed the proposed festival under review because of its location near aircraft movement paths.
