₹17 crore Malda Airport now a playground for fairs, sports, and stray cattle

Malda Airport, located about three kilometers from English Bazar in West Bengal, was once a key aviation hub in the region. It was operational from the early 1960s until 1986 when flight services were permanently suspended. The airport spans over 350 acres and features a 1,450-meter-long runway, making it larger than several other regional airports in the state, including Cooch Behar Airport. Despite its potential, the airport has not seen regular air traffic for nearly four decades.

In 2017, the Indian government allocated ₹17.2 crore for the development of the airport, with the aim of restoring its operations. The funds were primarily used to renovate and extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft. However, despite this significant investment, the airport has not resumed flight services. Instead, the runway has been taken over for various non-aviation activities, including street food stalls, local sports events, and even public gatherings.

The infrastructure of Malda Airport includes the runway, a terminal building, and additional facilities that remain largely underused. The runway, which was extended as part of the 2017 development project, is now a site for cricket and football matches, jogging, yoga, and other recreational activities. Alongside these activities, vehicles, including motorcycles, bicycles, and rickshaws, are commonly seen using the space, and herds of cattle occasionally roam the area.

Encroachment on the airport’s land has been an ongoing issue, further hindering its potential for revitalization. The facility, which once held the promise of improving air connectivity to the region, has not been able to fulfill this role. Although discussions about reopening the airport have been held periodically, the facility remains non-operational. The political dynamics surrounding the area have played a significant role in the airport’s failure to be revived. The region falls under the South Malda constituency, which has historically been a Congress stronghold. Political disagreements at both the state and national levels have contributed to delays and inaction regarding the airport's future. Despite the efforts made for its revival, including the 2017 funding and runway extension, the airport remains closed, and its infrastructure continues to be underutilized. The future of the airport, once considered a crucial asset for regional connectivity, remains uncertain.