Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Kolkata Airport Struggles with Porter Service Amidst Political and Operational Issues
Imagine you're going on a trip, and you need help with your heavy bags.
At Kolkata's main airport, it's taken a very long time to get a service where people can help you with your luggage.
Even though a new service started recently, many people still can't find the helpers, or they aren't always there when you need them.
This is different from busy airports in other big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, where helpers are easy to find.
Some people think this is because of problems with how the airport is run by the government, and others believe that local politicians and worker groups make it hard for things to work smoothly.
It's like a puzzle where many pieces need to fit, but some are missing or in the wrong place, making it difficult for passengers to get the help they expect.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has struggled for over a decade to implement an effective porter service.
The latest paid porter service, launched in February 2025, is reportedly inconsistent, with limited availability and poor visibility.
Allegations of political interference and unionization influencing hiring decisions and operational viability are cited as major reasons for past failures and current issues.
Compared to other major Indian airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Kolkata's porter service is considered less visible and efficient.
Concerns exist about the overall management of the airport and the effectiveness of its services, with calls for cleaning up political influence to improve operations.
- Who
- Passengers at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, airport management (AAI), private porter service providers, union leaders, and local politicians.
- What
- A new paid porter service has been reintroduced, but its effectiveness is questioned due to a history of failed attempts, operational inefficiencies, lack of visibility, and alleged political interference. This highlights deeper issues with airport management and local politics.
- When
- The latest porter service was reintroduced in February 2025, after previous attempts between 2015 and 2019. The issues have persisted for over a decade.
- Where
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
- Why
- The delay and inefficiency are attributed to a combination of factors including union influence, political reluctance to address issues, operational challenges faced by contractors, and a lack of clear demand or marketing for the service. Underlying systemic issues within the AAI management are also cited.
Airport Management & External Consultants
Local Politics & Union Influence
Efficiency and Management of Airport Services
Airport Management & External Consultants
Some believe the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has systematically eroded Kolkata airport's efficiency, citing examples of other AAI-managed airports being better run. They suggest private airports are more agile and efficient.
Local Politics & Union Influence
Local ruling politicians and stakeholders are criticized for a procedural, meeting-driven approach that masks underlying interests and undermines airport efficiency. Some argue that committees and meetings can drive progress if there's genuine intent and political will.
Reason for Porter Service Failure and Delays
Airport Management & External Consultants
Concerns are raised about the unionization leading to uneconomical business viability, with contractors often instructed to employ surplus personnel. The lack of transparency in porter service documentation and political parties calling on contractors to hire workers are also cited.
Local Politics & Union Influence
A former airport director suggests that the porter service is a paid service, not public, and efficiency depends on the passenger's experience. He notes that passengers are often unaware of the service's availability and that private airports have more flexibility in marketing compared to the restrictions faced by AAI-managed airports.
Root Cause of Airport's Malaise
Airport Management & External Consultants
A management consultant posits that while local politics might play a role, the AAI's systemic issues are the primary reason for inefficiencies like the basic porter service. The Kolkata and Chennai airports being AAI-managed in states governed by opposition parties is highlighted as a point that cannot be overlooked.
Local Politics & Union Influence
Union leaders state that the AAI is compelled to follow directives, and unionization serves political interests rather than worker welfare, diminishing service quality. Trinamool ultimately controls major decisions, influencing porter services and trolley retrieval.
- Porter Service Provider
- Elite Assist Porter Service (part of Travel and Food Services - TFS)
- Porter Service Fee
- Rs 700 (standard), Rs 1200 (priority service assistant)
- Service Availability
- Domestic and International Departure and Arrival Terminals
- Airport Management
- Airports Authority of India (AAI)
- Previous Porter Service Attempts
- Between 2015 and 2019
- Kolkata Airport Rank (FY 2024-25)
- No. 6 among top 10 busiest airports in India