Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Mosque Near Kolkata Airport Runway Sparks Safety Concerns
There is a mosque inside Kolkata’s international airport that is very close to one of the runways.
This mosque is causing problems because it is too close to the runway, which makes it harder for planes to take off and land safely.
The mosque has been there for a long time, even before the airport was built.
Because of this, the airport cannot use the runway fully, and it is causing delays in making the airport better.
People are worried about safety and security because the mosque is in the middle of the airport’s operational area.
The government and airport officials are under pressure to fix this problem, but it is not easy because the mosque has been protected for a long time.
A mosque inside Kolkata’s international airport is less than 300 metres from the secondary runway, raising safety concerns.
The mosque’s presence has displaced the secondary runway’s northern threshold by 88 metres, limiting its use.
The structure predates the airport, established in the 1890s, and was protected during land acquisition.
The mosque’s location affects airport modernisation, causing delays in demolition and new terminal development.
Worshippers within the airport’s operational zone add security and logistical complexity for airport management.
- Who
- Aviation authorities, state administration, airport management, worshippers
- What
- A mosque inside Kolkata’s international airport is causing safety and operational concerns
- When
- The issue resurfaced after questions were raised in Parliament in December 2025
- Where
- Kolkata’s international airport, India
- Why
- The mosque is dangerously close to the operational runway, affecting safety and airport expansion
- Location
- Inside Kolkata’s international airport
- Distance from Runway
- Less than 300 metres from the secondary runway
- Impact on Runway
- Displaced the secondary runway’s northern threshold by 88 metres
- Historical Context
- Pre-dates the airport, established in the 1890s
- Current Issues
- Obstructs safe utilisation, delays modernisation, increases congestion
- Security Concerns
- Worshippers within the airport’s operational zone
- Historical Decision
- Runway diverted in the early 2000s to avoid mosque removal