Kolkata | September 10, 2026
The Airports Authority of India has begun a physical land survey at Kolkata’s Behala Flying Club to assess encroachments, flight-path obstacles and whether the dormant airfield can support small aircraft, air ambulances and chartered operations, officials said on Wednesday.
The survey follows a preliminary drone assessment of the flying club’s land holdings and the available clearance along the flight path. Its findings are expected to establish whether the airfield’s 915-metre runway can be used by nine- to 19-seater aircraft and identify the infrastructure and safety measures required for operations.
State sports and youth affairs minister and Behala West MLA Indranil Khan visited the airport during the survey. Khan told The Times of India that the drone assessment had led experts to believe that small aircraft could operate from the site after encroachments were removed. The physical inspection, he said, would help resolve questions about the feasibility of scheduled small-flight operations and air ambulance services.
“Technical constraints and possible solutions will be identified,” Khan said, according to the report.
The survey is also examining obstacles around the airfield. Aviation experts cited high-rise buildings near the flying club and the narrow approach road as potential constraints. An AAI official told Khan that obstacles would have to be mapped and removed before operations could begin.
Encroachments and the absence of a complete boundary wall have also been identified as key hurdles. Khan said the immediate priority was to demarcate the airport’s boundary and secure the perimeter with a wall. State officials have identified several encroachers, according to the report.
The Behala Flying Club was once a prominent pilot-training facility but has remained largely dormant for years. The site has reportedly seen only occasional private helicopter movements during that period. The proposed revival is being pursued after chief minister Suvendu Adhikari backed efforts to restart operations at the airfield.
The state’s stated plan is to first make the facility suitable for air ambulances and small aircraft before considering wider commercial operations. The physical land survey is expected to provide the technical assessment needed to determine the runway’s feasibility, the extent of required clearance work and the infrastructure changes necessary for safe operations.
