Airport

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)

One of the prominent aviation hubs in India, the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport serves the Kolkata Metropolitan Region. The airport is situated in the Dum Dum region, at a distance of about 15 km from the city center. As a city of cultural as well as commercial importance, Kolkata attracts many visitors throughout the year. The NSCBI Airport is among the busiest in the country in terms of passenger traffic.

Built in the pre-independence period, the airport first hosted a plane landing in the year 1924. After independence, it gained prominence as a major international airport. It was initially named the Dum Dum Airport after its location. On the occasion of inaugurating a new domestic terminal in 1995, it was renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in memory of the great freedom fighter.

Being one of the country’s oldest airports, the NSCBI Airports has been recognized for its excellent passenger services. It was ranked 9th among the Best Airports in India for The Skytrax World Airport Awards 2014 and boasts of several such accolades.

Flight Information

Over the years, the NSCBI Airport has seen a significant rise in air and passenger traffic. It is connected to a number of different cities in India including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Silchar, Guwahati, and so on. Among these, Kolkata to Mumbai and Kolkata to Guwahati are the most popular routes. The airport provides regular flight services to international destinations like Dhaka, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dubai, and Singapore, among others. Kolkata to Dhaka and Kolkata to Abu Dhabi are the major international sectors from the NSCBI Airport.

Major domestic airlines such as Jet Airways, JetLite, IndiGo, and SpiceJet provide passenger flight services at the NSCBI Airport. A number of international airlines, including Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines also operate here.

Terminals

The NSCBI Airport houses a single integrated terminal for all its flights, known as Terminal 2. Operational since 2013, the terminal is equipped with modern infrastructure and amenities. It was built with the purpose of reducing the inconvenience of separate domestic and international terminals. It handles the arrivals and departures of both domestic as well as international flights.

Traveling in and Around

The NSCBI Airport is easily accessible through Kolkata and nearby cities by means of local transport. Taxis and city buses ply to and fro at regular intervals. A special luxury bus service between the city and the airport provides a comfortable means of transport for passengers. There are several car rentals at the airport that allow you to book a private vehicle or taxi. Pre-paid taxis, radio cabs, and yellow Kolkata cabs are also available at the airport.

Services and Facilities

The NSCBI Airport ensures a pleasant traveling experience for passengers by offering a number of useful services. Passengers can spend their time at the airport in a leisurely manner at one of the three airport lounges. A number of facilities such as television and refreshments are available here, allowing you to relax while awaiting your flight.

Bearing in mind the needs of different kinds of travelers, the airport provides certain special services. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility may avail of a free wheelchair and are provided additional assistance from the staff. A childcare room equipped with necessary amenities is available for the use of traveling families. It also houses a Medical Inspection Room in order to attend to medical emergencies.

A number of other services such as luggage trolleys, postal booth, telephones, limited free Wi-Fi, ATMs, foreign exchange and paid access to parking spaces are also available.

Things to Do

In order to enhance the passenger experience during transits or waiting periods, the NSCBI Airport houses various shopping outlets. International travelers may shop for a number of articles at the duty-free stores. They may also buy souvenirs comprising ethnic handicrafts and traditional garments. The airport also houses stores and eateries serving delectable local sweets.

Accommodation

For those planning to stay in the city, there are a number of hotels, catering to different kinds of travelers, in the vicinity of the NSCBI Airport. Swissotel Kolkata, Hotel Airport City, and Ethnotel are some of the options offering luxury stays near the airport. Budget travelers may also enjoy a comfortable stay at hotels such as Jagannath Hotel, Atithi Inn or Vesper Guest House.

Helpful Tips

International passengers are advised to adhere to the customs norms and verify the list of prohibited items in order to ensure a hassle-free travel experience

The Dum Dum area frequently experiences bad weather conditions during monsoons, which may cause delays in flight schedules

Nearby Attractions

The city of Kolkata is popular among travelers for its cultural significance. It houses many noteworthy attractions such as Victoria Memorial, Aurobindo Bhawan, and the Marble Palace, all reflections of its rich heritage. Places of interest in Dum Dum include Sarbamangala Temple and the colonial bungalow of Robert Clive, located close to the airport. A visit to Kolkata, the City of Joy, promises to be a memorable experience.