Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone, with officials projecting a passenger footfall exceeding 2.5 crore by 2025-26, surpassing its pre-pandemic record. After enduring the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport has demonstrated remarkable resilience, registering a footfall of 2.15 crore passengers by March 24, 2025, a notable increase from 2 crore in 2023-24 and 1.78 crore in 2022-23. This marks a mere 5 lakh shortfall from the record 2.2 crore passengers seen in 2019-20.
Despite ambitious expectations of hitting the 2.5 crore mark this year, the airport fell slightly short, primarily due to a lag in the return of international flights that had previously operated before the pandemic. In the 2019-20 fiscal year, Kolkata airport had seen 29.4 lakh international passengers, a number that currently stands at 23.8 lakh as of March 2025. Although domestic traffic has surged, especially in January and February, where passenger numbers increased by 14.3% and 13.2%, respectively, international flight recovery has been slower than anticipated. In January 2025, the airport handled 19.5 lakh passengers, followed by 18 lakh in February, reflecting a steady increase in footfall compared to the previous year. However, the international segment still lags behind, with several pre-pandemic airlines yet to resume full operations. Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, and SriLankan Airlines, among others, are still in the process of resuming services to destinations like Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Colombo.
Officials are optimistic that international travel will regain momentum, particularly with the recent agreement between India and China to restore direct air services between the two countries. This development could lead to a significant boost in international traffic, adding nearly 1,000 departing and 1,000 arriving passengers each day. Alongside these efforts, there are plans to approach European carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM, along with Indian airlines like Air India, to facilitate direct flights between Kolkata and major European cities. The expansion of infrastructure at the airport, with an eye on accommodating more international flights, has instilled confidence among stakeholders. Kolkata airport is set to handle even more passengers in the coming years, with projections estimating 3.8 crore by 2028-29. However, frequent flyers and residents are hopeful that, with this growth in passenger numbers, the airport authorities will also invest in expanding the airport’s capacity to ensure it can handle the additional traffic. As one regular traveller between Kolkata and Delhi put it, “It’s evident that the airport is getting busier, much like it was pre-COVID. We just hope the expansion plans are ready to meet the demand.”
As Kolkata airport continues its recovery, it remains a key player in the region’s aviation sector. The rapid increase in passenger numbers showcases not only the airport’s recovery but also the city’s growing position as an aviation hub in eastern India. Looking ahead, the airport’s future will depend not just on maintaining domestic growth but also on accelerating the return of international travel, something that officials are working tirelessly to achieve.
