{"id":24519,"date":"2026-10-01T18:19:45","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T12:49:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=24519"},"modified":"2026-10-01T18:19:45","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T12:49:45","slug":"kolkata-airport-parking-bays-terminal-upgrade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/kolkata-airport-parking-bays-terminal-upgrade\/","title":{"rendered":"Kolkata Airport Expansion to Add More Aircraft Parking and Increase Terminal Capacity"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Kolkata
Source: ChatGPT<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kolkata\u2019s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is preparing for a major expansion as passenger traffic continues to grow. The Airports Authority of India is moving ahead with a \u20b9337-crore apron expansion project on the southern side of the terminal building. The work will create more space for aircraft parking, servicing and ground-handling operations.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is the Kolkata Airport Expansion Project?<\/b><\/h2>\n

The latest project focuses on the airport\u2019s apron area. An apron is the part of an airport where aircraft are parked and serviced between flights. Airlines use this space for boarding, unloading baggage, refuelling, catering, cleaning and maintenance. By expanding this area, Kolkata Airport will have more operational space to accommodate aircraft. The additional space should also make ground operations smoother during busy travel periods.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Many Aircraft Parking Bays Will Kolkata Airport Have?<\/b><\/h3>\n

One of the biggest changes will be the increase in aircraft parking bays. Kolkata Airport currently has around 73 parking bays. Under the redevelopment plan, this number is expected to increase to 132 bays. More parking bays can help airlines manage aircraft more efficiently and reduce pressure on existing airside infrastructure. This becomes especially important when several flights arrive or depart within a short period.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Is Kolkata Airport Expanding Now?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Passenger traffic at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels and continues to remain strong.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recent reporting says the airport handled around 1.1 crore passengers in the first half of 2025 and about 2.2 crore passengers during the full year. As passenger traffic grows, the airport is planning additional aircraft parking, terminal space and improvements to ground movement. The expansion is designed to prepare the airport for projected future demand and align airside infrastructure with planned passenger and flight growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Much Passenger Capacity Does Kolkata Airport Have?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The annual passenger-handling capacity of the existing terminal has recently increased from around 2.6 crore to 2.8 crore passengers. However, the long-term plan is much larger. Airport authorities are working towards raising the overall annual capacity to around 4.5 crore passengers by 2032-33. The broader plan includes several projects, including apron expansion, terminal redevelopment and improvements to passenger facilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Will Happen to the Old Domestic Terminal?<\/b><\/h3>\n

The old domestic terminal is proposed to be demolished to make way for a new U-shaped international terminal as part of Kolkata Airport\u2019s broader redevelopment. Current plans call for a U-shaped international terminal with 21 aerobridges. The planned terminal will include 21 aerobridges to provide direct aircraft access for passengers. The existing integrated terminal is eventually expected to handle domestic operations exclusively, with its revised capacity projected at around 3.4 crore passengers annually.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Will the New International Terminal Offer?<\/b><\/h4>\n

The planned international terminal will include upgraded passenger and operational facilities. The wider redevelopment includes more space for:<\/span><\/p>\n