Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport is undergoing a significant and strategic expansion, with plans to demolish its old domestic terminal to make way for a new international passenger facility. This pivotal development is set to dramatically increase the airport’s capacity from 26 million to 45 million passengers annually, reinforcing Kolkata’s critical standing as a burgeoning aviation hub for eastern India and the wider Southeast Asian region. The initiative underscores a commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and enhanced global connectivity.
The current integrated terminal, spanning 222,973 square metres, is a high-performing asset, presently managing 8,460 peak-hour passengers. However, with its annual capacity of 26 million passengers, it is projected to reach saturation by the fiscal year 2025–26. The planned new international terminal is designed to add capacity for an additional 2 million passengers per year, a crucial augmentation to accommodate the surging demand for air travel. In the interim, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is already expanding the current terminal’s international sections, adding 3,000 sq m to departures and 2,600 sq m to arrivals, with this modular expansion expected to be completed by year-end, raising total annual capacity to 28 million passengers.
The demolition of the old domestic terminal, which has served various repurposed roles including a COVID-19 quarantine centre and Haj operations facility, is scheduled for completion by the end of this year or early next year. Public sector enterprise MSTC Ltd has been awarded the contract for auctioning the salvaged materials, ensuring a systematic and environmentally conscious approach to demolition. A segregation wall has already been erected to maintain safety and security between the demolition site and the active apron area, safeguarding ongoing airport operations and aircraft.
The new international terminal, designed in a U-shape, is part of a long-term strategy to future-proof NSCBI Airport against rising passenger demand in the coming decades. Once all projects are fully realised, the airport will boast a combined annual handling capacity of 45 million passengers, comprising 36 million domestic and 9 million international. This substantial increase in capacity is vital for supporting economic growth, facilitating trade, and boosting tourism across Eastern India, contributing to a more dynamic and interconnected regional economy.
This extensive expansion aligns with the broader national agenda of developing sustainable urban infrastructure. By enhancing air connectivity, the project will reduce travel times, improve logistical efficiency for businesses, and potentially lessen reliance on more carbon-intensive modes of transport for long-distance travel. The modernisation of airport facilities also contributes to a more equitable and comfortable travel experience for all passengers, including those with diverse needs, reinforcing Kolkata’s role as a gateway to the East and a model for sustainable aviation growth in India.
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