Travellers flying from Kolkata will have more options during the festive season as airlines restore services and increase flight frequencies from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. From October 1, 2026, airlines have added 203 weekly departures from Kolkata Airport, restoring services that were reduced during the lean travel period. 

Kolkata Airport Gets More Weekly Departures

Airlines have added a total of 203 weekly departures from October 1. This does not mean Kolkata has received 203 new routes or destinations. The increase largely reflects restored capacity after earlier service cuts, rather than 203 new routes.  During the lean season, airlines reduced schedules amid lower passenger demand. Seasonal changes and operational requirements also influenced those decisions. As demand rises again, carriers are gradually restoring capacity. This gives passengers more departure choices and may improve seat availability on busy routes. 

Why Are Airlines Adding More Kolkata Flights Now?

October is usually a busy month for air travel in and around Kolkata. Durga Puja brings thousands of visitors to the city, while many residents also head outside West Bengal for holidays. Diwali, year-end breaks and the winter season keep demand strong in the weeks that follow. Routes connecting Kolkata with cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai often see heavier bookings during this period. International traffic also tends to rise.

By adding services, airlines can provide more flexibility for passengers during the festive period. 

What Do Extra Flights Mean for Travellers?

For  passengers, the biggest benefit is simple: more choice. With additional services on a route, people may find it easier to choose a convenient departure time. Extra capacity can also improve seat availability during busy dates. However, more flights do not always mean lower fares.

Ticket prices depend on demand, travel dates, seat availability and how early someone books. During Durga Puja and other peak periods, fares may remain high even when airlines increase capacity. Passengers planning a festive trip may therefore benefit from checking available flights early rather than waiting until closer to departure. 

Better Connectivity for Eastern India

The addition of 203 weekly departures is also expected to strengthen air connectivity in eastern India. Kolkata Airport serves not only the city but also passengers from West Bengal and the wider eastern and northeastern region. Additional services can make journeys easier for those travelling for work, holidays or family visits. The increase may also improve onward connections to other domestic destinations. 

Anyone planning a trip during the festive and winter travel period  should check updated airline schedules before booking. Flight timings and frequencies can change, especially during busy periods.

Booking early can also help passengers find more convenient departure times and more available flight options. Those looking for affordable options can also explore Indian Eagle deals while comparing fares for their journey.

Overall, the increase in weekly departures is expected to give Kolkata passengers greater flexibility as festive travel demand rises. With the festive travel period approaching, the added capacity should make trip planning easier for many people.

The post Kolkata Airport Adds More Weekly Flights in October: What Travellers Should Know appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Kolkata Airport is preparing for a busier winter travel season in 2026 as airlines add flights, increase capacity and deploy newer aircraft. Emirates and Akasa Air are among the major carriers expanding operations from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport).

Emirates to Increase Kolkata-Dubai Flights

One of the major changes will come on the international side. Emirates will increase its Kolkata-Dubai services from 11 to 12 weekly flights starting October 25. The airline will also deploy its Airbus A350 on the route. The aircraft will feature Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin alongside its other travel classes. This means Premium Economy will be available on all 12 weekly services between Kolkata and Dubai.

For travellers from eastern India, the extra weekly service will provide greater flexibility and better international connections. Dubai serves as a major global transit hub, allowing passengers from Kolkata to connect to destinations across Europe, the Americas and several other regions.

Akasa Air Plans Major Expansion From Kolkata

Domestic travellers will also have more choices this winter as Akasa Air expands its Kolkata operations from October 25. The airline currently operates around 10 to 11 departures a day from the city. Under the winter schedule, that number is expected to rise to about 17 daily departures. Several routes are set to receive additional services. Akasa already connects Kolkata with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, and its Kolkata-Navi Mumbai frequency is expected to increase from one to two daily flights.

The carrier also plans to add more services on the Kolkata-Mumbai route, giving passengers greater flexibility when travelling between eastern India and the Mumbai metropolitan region.

More Airlines to Add Flights From Kolkata

The winter expansion will extend beyond Emirates and Akasa Air. IndiGo is also expected to strengthen its network from Kolkata. The airline already operates more than 110 daily departures from the city and plans to increase frequencies on several major domestic routes. Additional services are expected to destinations such as Delhi, Chennai, Guwahati, Varanasi and Port Blair. IndiGo is also expected to add capacity on the Kolkata-Surat route.

On the international side, the airline may restore or expand services to destinations including Shanghai, Siem Reap and Singapore. Air India is also expected to add capacity on the Kolkata-Mumbai sector as carriers prepare for higher passenger demand during the winter travel period. These changes could improve domestic and international connectivity while giving passengers more choices during the peak season.

Kolkata Airport Heads Into a Busy Winter Season

The 2026 winter schedule will bring a noticeable boost to air connectivity from eastern India. Emirates will add capacity on the Kolkata-Dubai route and introduce its Airbus A350, while Akasa Air plans a significant increase in daily departures. Other airlines are also preparing to expand their networks ahead of the peak travel months. At the same time, NSCBI Airport is working to improve passenger services so the terminal can handle higher traffic more efficiently.

The key date for travellers is October 25, 2026, when the winter airline schedule takes effect. Passengers planning winter trips should check airline schedules closer to their travel dates, as carriers may revise flight timings and frequencies.

If you are looking for affordable flights between India and the USA, explore Indian Eagle deals for the best options. 

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