Kolkata Airport celebrates 100 years; Grand events lined up

Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI), one of India’s oldest and busiest airports, is set to celebrate its centenary in 2024. Originally known as Dum Dum Airport, the airport began operations in 1924, making it one of the first airports in India. The centenary celebrations will begin in the third week of December 2024 and continue until March 2025. The events will feature historical exhibitions, cultural programs, signature campaigns, and panel discussions, showcasing the airport's growth and its role in shaping aviation history.

The airport's history dates back to the early 1900s when it was initially referred to as Calcutta Aerodrome. In 1924, it was renamed Dum Dum Airport, and the same year saw the arrival of KLM Airlines, which began scheduled flights to the airport as part of its Amsterdam-Jakarta route. Dum Dum Airport saw several other milestones in 1924, including the first night landing of a commercial aircraft, with a flight from Amsterdam arriving on November 14 under torchlight. The airport continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, serving as a strategic military and civilian aviation hub.

In the post-World War II period, Dum Dum Airport became a key stopover point for several international airlines, including Aeroflot, Air France, and Pan Am. It also saw an increase in commercial passenger traffic, becoming an important point for connecting North America, Europe, and Asia. During the 1940s and 1950s, the airport’s infrastructure was expanded to accommodate the growing demand for air travel, with new runways and facilities being added. The airport's role as a stopover hub began to decline in the 1960s with the advent of longer-range aircraft, which allowed airlines to bypass Kolkata.

The airport was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in the 1990s in honor of the Indian nationalist leader, reflecting the country's evolving identity in the post-independence era. Significant modernization efforts began in the 1990s, including the construction of a new domestic terminal, which opened in 1995. This period also saw an increase in air traffic, especially after the liberalization of the Indian aviation sector in the 1990s and the rise of low-cost carriers in the 2000s. Passenger numbers surged during this time, prompting further expansions to accommodate the increased demand.

In 2008, a comprehensive modernization plan was initiated, which included the construction of a new integrated terminal, runway extensions, and other upgrades. The new terminal, which started construction in 2008, was completed and inaugurated in 2013. This modern terminal is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to handle both domestic and international passengers. The expansion has allowed Kolkata Airport to manage significantly higher traffic volumes, and it continues to serve as a major gateway for both passengers and cargo.

The upcoming centenary celebrations will highlight the airport's transformation from a small military stopover to a major international hub. The events will include a variety of activities that commemorate the airport’s rich history while focusing on its future growth. The celebrations are expected to be attended by significant dignitaries, including the Union Minister for Civil Aviation and the Chief Minister of West Bengal, who will participate in the celebrations. NSCBI Airport, which continues to be a key player in India’s aviation industry, will also focus on its future developments, including expansion projects aimed at increasing capacity and improving passenger services.