Kolkata Airport Marks 100 Years of Flight Operations with Grand Celebrations Starting December 2024

Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is preparing to celebrate 100 years of flight operations. This milestone highlights its journey from a strategic stopover to a major global hub. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) announced the centenary celebrations, which will honour the airport's legacy and future. Events are planned to mark this occasion, reflecting its historical significance in connecting Kolkata to the world.

In a statement on X, AAI expressed pride in celebrating "100 Glorious Years of #KolkataAirport @aaikolairport." The airport, originally known as Dum Dum Airport, has been described as a place "where History Whispers, Culture Thrives & the Skies Unite." These words capture the essence of its enduring brilliance and cultural significance in West Bengal.

Historical Significance and Evolution

The airport's journey began in the early 1900s as the Calcutta Aerodrome. By 1924, it had become a significant international hub. KLM Airlines included it in their route from Amsterdam to Batavia, now Jakarta. That year also saw historic firsts, such as Royal Air Force aircraft landings and a French pilot's arrival on May 2. The first night landing occurred on November 14 under torchlight.

Originally located near the Royal Artillery Armoury in Dum Dum, the airport grew significantly during British rule. It became a strategic stopover for flights connecting North America, Europe, and Asia. In 1929, Sir Stanley Jackson, then Governor of Bengal, inaugurated the Bengal Flying Club at Dum Dum Aerodrome, enhancing its status further.

Modernisation and Growth

Post-World War II, Kolkata emerged as a key destination for commercial flights. From the 1940s to 1960s, it was a prominent stopover hub for airlines like Aeroflot, Air France, and Pan Am. However, with longer-haul aircraft in the 1960s, its role as a stopover declined. By the 1990s, Kolkata's airport became a major hub for international and domestic passenger and cargo operations.

The airport was renamed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to honour the revolutionary leader. This marked a new chapter in its growth. In the 1990s, significant modernisation took place with a new domestic terminal built in 1995. The rise of low-cost carriers in the 2000s led to increased passenger numbers and prompted further development plans.

Upcoming Celebrations

Celebrations are set to begin in December's third week and continue until March next year. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are expected to participate. NSCBI Airport Director Pravat Ranjan Beuria mentioned planned events like historical exhibitions, cultural programmes, signature campaigns, and panel discussions.

The new integrated terminal construction began in 2008 and was inaugurated in March 2013. This positioned the airport as a leading gateway to India. The centenary milestone underscores Kolkata Airport's historical importance and ongoing role as a vital link in global aviation.

The upcoming celebrations will honour its rich legacy while looking forward to a bright future in aviation. An airport official highlighted this dual focus on history and future prospects.