Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Balurghat Airport Set to Begin Operations Within One Year
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said Balurghat airport should start working within one year.
The airport has been handed over to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Officials want to begin flights using a small plane with 19 seats.
The chief minister said he would prefer a larger 72-seat ATR aircraft in the future.
About 150 acres of extra land may be needed for larger planes.
The government also plans to expand a university and establish a medical college.
The medical college would use existing health facilities and need an initial allocation of Rs 344 crore.
Adhikari said these projects were intended as development gifts for Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur districts.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said Balurghat airport would become operational within a year.
The state government has handed the airport to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for licensing and operations.
Officials plan to begin with a 19-seater aircraft, though Adhikari said he wants a 72-seater ATR service.
About 150 acres of additional land may be acquired to support larger aircraft operations.
Adhikari also announced plans for a medical college, university expansion and other development projects in the district.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the state government and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
- What
- Balurghat airport is expected to begin operations within a year, initially with a proposed 19-seater flight; wider district development projects were also announced.
- When
- The announcement was made on September 2; airport operations are planned within a year, while municipal road repairs are due by October 10.
- Where
- Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur district, West Bengal.
- Why
- The government said it wants to provide air connectivity and advance airport, university, medical, transport and other development projects across north Bengal.
- Airport timeline
- Balurghat airport is expected to become operational within a year.
- Initial aircraft plan
- A 19-seater small flight is proposed for the initial service.
- Larger aircraft goal
- The chief minister said he wants a 72-seater ATR to operate from the airport.
- Additional land
- Around 150 acres may need to be acquired for larger aircraft operations.
- Medical college funding
- The project requires an initial allocation of Rs 344 crore, with Rs 100 crore to be sanctioned initially from the state budget.
- Existing health capacity
- The district has an existing 931-bed facility whose infrastructure is to be strengthened.
- Airport authority
- The state government has handed the airport to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.