Kolkata Airport Footfall — Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), the primary aviation hub of eastern India, has officially matched—and in some areas, surpassed—its pre-pandemic performance. The airport recorded a substantial rise in both domestic and international passenger traffic in the fiscal year 2024–25, bringing cheer to stakeholders across the travel, hospitality, and logistics sectors.
According to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), CCU saw a significant resurgence, handling over 21 million passengers during the year. This includes more than 17 million domestic travellers and around 2.4 million international passengers—clear signs that Kolkata’s aviation sector has rebounded from the pandemic’s prolonged disruption.
A Landmark in Aviation Recovery
This resurgence is more than a numerical achievement. For Kolkata—once lagging behind other metros in post-pandemic revival—it represents a psychological and operational milestone. The increase in passenger numbers underscores renewed trust in air travel, improvements in safety and hygiene protocols, and aggressive recovery strategies by airlines, airport authorities, and government regulators.
The summer of 2024 proved to be a turning point. In May, the airport clocked its highest single-day post-COVID footfall with nearly 62,000 passengers. That surge, mostly driven by vacationers and business travellers, helped close the gap with pre-pandemic benchmarks.
Domestic Travel: The Driving Force
Domestic travel continues to anchor the recovery. Routes between Kolkata and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad remained among the busiest. Weekend leisure travel to hill stations such as Bagdogra, as well as spiritual circuits like Varanasi and Puri, contributed significantly to footfall.
Airlines have responded by increasing flight frequencies, deploying larger aircraft, and launching new routes from Kolkata to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Newer players in the low-cost segment have also made inroads, offering more choices and affordability to passengers.
International Travel Making a Comeback
Though slower to rebound compared to domestic operations, international traffic at CCU has shown consistent growth. Gulf routes—to Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi—have led the recovery, with high demand from migrant workers and business travellers. Southeast Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore have also seen a resurgence in bookings due to tourist inflows.
The airport’s international terminal has been upgraded to handle increased passenger load efficiently, with more immigration counters, faster customs processing, and enhanced security infrastructure.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Expansion Plans
Kolkata Airport’s capacity-building efforts have kept pace with the rising demand. Recent developments include:
- Additional check-in counters and self-baggage drop systems
- Expansion of the security hold area
- Renovation of restrooms and passenger waiting zones
- Integration with Metro Line 4 for easier connectivity to central Kolkata
The airport is also preparing for future growth by planning a second terminal building and extending the runway to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 on longer international routes.
Technology Adoption: The DigiYatra Push
As part of India’s digitization in aviation initiative, Kolkata Airport has adopted DigiYatra—a facial recognition-based paperless boarding system. Though still in its initial adoption stage, the technology is expected to reduce check-in time significantly, enhance security, and improve overall passenger experience.
The airport authority is also investing in AI-driven crowd management systems, predictive maintenance of airside infrastructure, and enhanced CCTV surveillance for safety.
Cargo and Logistics: Quiet but Steady Growth
While passenger services take the spotlight, the airport’s cargo terminal has been quietly expanding. With over 165,000 tonnes of cargo handled this fiscal year, Kolkata is now one of India’s top five air freight hubs. Pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, and textiles are among the top categories.
The airport is working closely with the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) and logistics companies to make Kolkata a logistics hub for East and Northeast India, as well as neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
Kolkata Airport Footfall: Challenges That Remain
Despite the recovery, challenges persist:
- Congestion during peak hours: Long queues at security checks and baggage claims have returned as a daily hassle.
- Infrastructure bottlenecks: Expansion projects have to be carefully managed to prevent disruptions.
- International route limitations: Kolkata still lacks direct flights to Europe, North America, and Australia, making it less competitive globally.
To address these, authorities are consulting with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and global airlines to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency.
Stakeholder Reactions
Airport Officials have described the recovery as “remarkable,” noting that the coordination between airlines, CISF, immigration authorities, and ground staff has made the turnaround possible.
Travel Agents in the city report strong booking trends for both domestic and international packages, especially for the Durga Puja and winter holiday seasons.
Passengers, however, remain divided—many appreciate the return to normalcy, while others complain about delays, traffic congestion, and lack of seating during peak times.
The Road Ahead
With footfall back to pre-COVID levels and infrastructure projects on the fast track, Kolkata Airport is well-positioned to scale new heights. Its strategic location, cultural pull, and emerging economic profile make it a natural hub for eastern India’s aviation and logistics future.
However, sustained growth will require:
- Faster implementation of expansion projects
- Better integration with city transit systems (e.g., Metro Lines 3 and 6)
- Transparent passenger feedback mechanisms
- Strengthening of airline-airport coordination
External Links for Context
Here are official sources and external links that provide further background:
- Airports Authority of India (AAI) – https://www.aai.aero
- Ministry of Civil Aviation (India) – https://www.civilaviation.gov.in
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – https://www.dgca.gov.in
- Kolkata Airport (NSCBI Airport Official Page) – https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/kolkata
- India Tourism Statistics (Govt of India) – https://tourism.gov.in
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
