Kolkata Airport Leaves International Flyers Stranded With No Public WiFi Access
International travelers arriving at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport have been navigating a protracted connectivity crisis since November, stemming primarily from the pervasive unavailability of public Wi-Fi services. This significant digital void has left global visitors in a challenging predicament, hindering their ability to perform crucial post-arrival tasks such as contacting local hosts, arranging ground transportation, or accessing essential digital travel documents. The situation is further compounded by a critical absence of SIM card retail outlets within the airport’s arrival lounge, creating a complex barrier for those without international roaming capabilities and underscoring a fundamental breakdown in essential digital infrastructure at a key international gateway.
The prolonged lack of reliable internet access has understandably generated considerable frustration among the arriving international passenger demographic. Without the immediate means to connect with their contacts or organise local transport services, a significant number of international passengers report feeling stranded or experiencing substantial delays upon disembarking. This issue is particularly acute for individuals who heavily rely on mobile applications for urban navigation, digital payment solutions, or instant confirmation of hotel bookings – services that become entirely inaccessible without a stable internet connection. The current scenario at Kolkata Airport thus poses a notable impediment to a seamless and stress-free travel experience, impacting the city’s image as a welcoming destination.
Airport authorities have formally acknowledged this critical connectivity deficit and assert that concerted efforts are underway to restore comprehensive Wi-Fi services. However, the progress in resolving this issue has been markedly slower than anticipated. A tender for securing a new internet service provider for the airport has been issued, yet a suitable vendor capable of meeting the stipulated requirements has not yet been selected, contributing to the protracted delay in Wi-Fi restoration. The new Wi-Fi service contract is designed for a five-year term, with the provision for a two-year extension based on the vendor’s performance, aiming to establish a more dependable and accessible internet experience for all international travellers.
Historically, even when Wi-Fi services were available at Airports Authority of India (AAI) managed airports, international passengers without local mobile numbers often encountered authentication hurdles. The standard AAI protocol mandates the use of an Indian mobile number for authenticating the 45 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi access. For international visitors lacking such a number, the process necessitated a visit to a designated help desk to obtain a one-time password (OTP) upon presenting their passport and tickets. At Kolkata Airport, this process was further complicated by insufficient signage and unclear instructions regarding the location of these help desks, adding to the confusion and inconvenience for inbound travellers in urgent need of connectivity.
In response to these identified operational deficiencies, airport officials have pledged a substantial improvement in the guidance and accessibility of these support services once the new Wi-Fi system is fully implemented. The strategic plan includes establishing clearly marked help desks in prominent, easily identifiable areas throughout the airport terminals. This proposed enhancement is designed to streamline the authentication process, making it more intuitive and user-friendly, particularly for international travellers who are unfamiliar with the airport’s layout and local procedures. Such improvements are vital for ensuring equitable access to essential services for all passengers, regardless of their origin or prior familiarity with the domestic communication landscape.
The new tender issued by AAI for the Wi-Fi services at Kolkata Airport incorporates specific provisions to ensure reliable internet access for all users. Upon restoration, passengers will be entitled to 45 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi daily, with a guaranteed minimum speed of 5 Mbps and a data cap of 500 MB. Beyond this initial allowance, users will have the option to purchase additional internet usage at standard commercial rates. This tiered approach aims to balance basic connectivity needs with bandwidth management, offering sufficient access for most travel-related communications while providing scalable options for those with higher data demands.
Crucially, the selected vendor for the new Wi-Fi service will be mandated to implement robust cybersecurity measures, prioritising the protection of users’ personal data. Furthermore, the vendor will be responsible for maintaining comprehensive logs of internet usage for a period of 180 days, which must be readily accessible to law enforcement agencies upon legitimate request. These stringent security and compliance requirements underscore the airport’s commitment to providing not only fast and reliable digital services but also ensuring a secure and regulated online environment that adheres to national data security protocols, contributing to the safety framework of a smart, connected city.
While the current operational challenges persist, airport authorities express optimism that the comprehensive restoration of the Wi-Fi system, coupled with the implementation of these new provisions, will significantly enhance the arrival experience for international travellers at Kolkata Airport. This focus on improving digital infrastructure is a critical component of modern urban development, contributing to cities that are not only economically vibrant but also digitally inclusive and seamless for all inhabitants and visitors, fostering an environment where technology serves to empower, rather than hinder, human connectivity and movement.
