Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBIA) in Kolkata has achieved a remarkable financial performance in the fiscal year 2023-24, clocking its highest ever revenue and profit, surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019-20. This resurgence positions Kolkata as the leading airport among those operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), underscoring its pivotal role as a critical economic catalyst for Eastern India and a burgeoning hub for regional connectivity. This success story reflects the broader economic recovery and strategic investments in infrastructure vital for creating sustainable urban ecosystems.
Kolkata airport’s reported profit of ₹670 crore in 2023-24 is a significant indicator of its robust operational efficiency and strategic importance, nearly two-and-a-half times that of Chennai’s ₹282 crore. The revenue, at ₹1,578.6 crore, also outstripped Chennai’s by a substantial 30%. Airport Director Pravat Ranjan Beuria highlighted a 23% profit increase over the previous 2019-20 peak of ₹545 crore, projecting profitability to cross ₹1,000 crore by 2025-26. This financial strength provides crucial capital for further infrastructure upgrades, essential for the future growth and sustainability of this key urban asset.
A significant portion, approximately 79%, of the airport’s revenue is derived from traffic-related charges, encompassing flight landings, take-offs, and parking. While this component continues its upward trajectory, the airport is strategically pivoting towards diversifying its revenue streams, aiming to increase non-traffic revenue to 25-30% within the next decade. This diversification effort, which includes retail, advertising, and other commercial activities, is crucial for fostering a more resilient and sustainable business model, contributing to the broader economic health of the surrounding urban areas and ensuring equitable benefits from airport operations.
The airport has firmly established itself as a vital domestic transit hub, particularly for flights connecting to and from North-East India. While international traffic currently accounts for only about 15% of total traffic revenue, the growth in domestic passenger footfall has already surpassed pre-COVID levels, reflecting a strong internal demand for air travel. The increasing average passenger count per flight, reaching an all-time high of 146 in 2024, signifies more efficient aircraft utilisation and a robust recovery in air travel confidence. This connectivity is essential for promoting gender-neutral access to economic opportunities and services across diverse regions.
Furthermore, Kolkata airport’s commitment to eco-friendly operations has contributed significantly to its financial viability. The increased adoption of renewable energy, particularly solar power, has played a crucial role in reducing operational expenses. This strategic shift towards sustainable energy sources not only aligns with global environmental goals but also sets a precedent for other urban infrastructure projects to follow suit, moving towards a zero net carbon future for Indian cities. Major infrastructure investments, including ₹329 crore for airside capacity enhancement and ₹247 crore for the ATC Tower, underscore a forward-thinking approach to managing growth constraints and ensuring future operational efficiency and safety.
Despite the temporary setback of a ₹193.7 crore loss in FY 2020, Kolkata airport’s rapid bounce-back to a ₹145.3 crore profit the following fiscal year demonstrates remarkable resilience. The current trajectory, bolstered by ongoing capacity enhancements for the terminal (₹109 crore) and a domestic cargo terminal (₹299 crore), positions NSCBIA not just as a profitable entity but as a key enabler of inclusive growth and sustainable urban development for Kolkata and the wider Eastern region. Its continued evolution is vital for fostering a thriving, interconnected, and environmentally conscious city.
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