Kolkata, October 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Monday said the Centre would soon hold discussions with airlines to explore direct flight services connecting Kolkata with major European cities, including London.
Naidu made the announcement during the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government for developing four new regional airports in the state.
The state government had requested the Centre to initiate efforts for direct Kolkata-Europe connectivity. Responding to the request, Naidu said his Ministry would shortly begin discussions with various airlines on the proposal.
The Minister also said the Union government was targeting the development of eight new airports in West Bengal, with MoUs for four projects signed on Monday.
“The Union government will fully cooperate with the state government in this matter. The work of new airport development will be carried out in coordination between the Centre and the state,” Naidu said.
He said attention would be given to runway renovation and terminal infrastructure, while the Centre would handle the technical aspects of airport development.
The four airports covered by Monday’s MoUs will come up at Chharra in Purulia district, Balurghat in South Dinajpur, Hasimara Civil Enclave in Alipurduar and Kalaikunda in West Midnapore. Hasimara and Kalaikunda also serve as important Indian Air Force bases.
The state government said the airport projects would strengthen air connectivity across West Bengal. Under the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, the state will provide land, approach roads, electricity, water supply and basic security as specified in the agreements.
The Union government will develop the core airport infrastructure.
During the MoU signing ceremony, the state government also requested the Civil Aviation Ministry to establish a pilot training institute in West Bengal.
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