Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Calcutta Airport Lists Upgrades Needed for Direct Europe Flights
Airlines say Calcutta airport should improve its international area if it wants more direct flights to Europe.
They say travellers need more shops, including places to buy Bengali sweets, and clearer signs and brighter lights.
Some passengers also want cleaner washrooms and basic services such as money changers.
The airport’s duty-free shops are closed for now while a new operator waits for customs approval.
Airport officials say they are checking facilities every day and cleaning some areas more deeply.
The airport is also doing maintenance work in its car park.
Airline officials say Calcutta airport’s international section needs facilities closer to the domestic area to attract direct European flights.
They want more shops and food outlets, including stores selling Bengali mishti, in the international security hold area.
Officials also cite dim lighting, weak signage, washroom issues and missing basic services such as money changers and luggage wrapping.
The airport’s duty-free shops remain closed while a new operator awaits customs clearance to begin operations.
Airport authorities say they have introduced daily maintenance and housekeeping checks and are periodically deep-cleaning washrooms and check-in areas.
- Who
- Airline officials, passengers and Calcutta airport authorities.
- What
- Airline officials have listed facility improvements they say could help attract direct flights from Calcutta to Europe.
- When
- The minister raised the possibility earlier this week; airport officials say maintenance checks and cleaning are ongoing.
- Where
- The international section of Calcutta airport.
- Why
- Airline officials say the international section needs better amenities and facilities to attract airlines to launch direct European routes.
Airline officials and passengers
Airport authorities
Condition of international facilities
Airline officials and passengers
Airline officials say the international section looks dull and has fewer amenities than the domestic area; passengers and officials say washrooms still need improvement.
Airport authorities
Airport authorities say washrooms and check-in areas are being periodically deep-cleaned, and daily teams monitor facilities and housekeeping.
Duty-free reopening
Airline officials and passengers
The closure of duty-free shops is identified as an added problem for the international section.
Airport authorities
Airport officials say a new agency has been awarded the tender, has begun installing infrastructure and is awaiting customs clearance.
- Requested route discussions
- The Union civil aviation minister said the Centre would discuss possible direct flights from Calcutta to London and other European cities with airlines operating in India.
- Retail needs
- Airline officials say the international security hold area has fewer shops and food outlets than the domestic area, and no mishti stores.
- Duty-free shops
- The shops are closed after the Airports Authority of India did not extend the previous operator’s contract; a new operator has been awarded the tender and awaits customs clearance.
- Other reported gaps
- Officials cited inadequate lighting and signage, a need for better washrooms, missing money changers and the departure of the luggage-wrapping service agency.
- Maintenance measures
- The airport has formed daily maintenance and daily housekeeping groups to monitor facilities across the terminal.
- Car park work
- Painting on the car park’s upper level is complete, while work in the basement is under way.