Kolkata Airport is situated in India, 16 kilometres northeast from the city. Its full name is Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, in honour of the respected Bengali freedom fighter, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Before it was renamed, the airport was formerly known as Dum Dum Airport. Although the airport is intended to be an international airport, most of its passengers are domestic travellers. One of the most popular international flights out of Kolkata Airport is to Singapore.
Recently, Terminal 2 opened in Kolkata Airport. Following the addition of the L-shaped integrated terminal, the existing older terminals ceased operations. However, there may be plans to reopen these terminals in the future.
Marvel at the impressive modern architecture of Kolkata Airport. The award-winning design includes north-facing roof lights, full-length windows shaded by an overhanging roof, and ventilated double walls. One interesting point is that the roof was constructed and shaped to harvest rainwater, which is then used for irrigation. Further, the double walls are designed to dissipate heat caused by the sun. Inscribed on the walls and panels are abstract references to the writing of Rabindranath Tagore.
The newly unveiled Terminal 2 is home to both international and domestic gates, and has separate storeys for departures and arrivals. It also houses over 125 check-in counters, a VIP lounge, inline baggage handling amenities, foreign exchange counters, internet cafés, duty free retail outlets and childcare rooms. Apart from child-friendly amenities, the airport also provides wheelchair services for the disabled.
At the airport, enjoy shopping and eat to your heart’s content. Purchase souvenirs from gift shops, browse handicraft shops, patronise the snack bar, buy hot tea or coffee from vending machines, and enjoy good meals at the restaurants. The vending machines also dispense soft drinks for those who prefer carbonated drinks. Even at irregular hours, 24-hour convenience stores sell snacks, ensuring travellers have something to munch on.
Kolkata Airport is equipped with Entertainment TVs and Cyber Cafes. While waiting to board, several areas like Top Deck Lounge, Clipper Bar Lounge and Club Bar Lounge are at your disposal.
During a layover, save yourself the discomfort of sleeping upright or across a few chairs; the new integrated terminal has a small hotel that provides lodging, suitable for travellers needing a short rest. Alternatively, hotels near the airport offer good accommodation, especially if stopovers are overnight. The nearest luxury hotel in close proximity to Kolkata Airport is Swissotel, situated near a shopping mall and cinema complex. For more budget-friendly options, O2 Oxygen or Shivangan Hotel are available as well.
Airports near Kolkata: