Kolkata Airport Guide 2025: Terminals, Facilities, and Travel Tips

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is an international airport serving the Kolkata metropolitan region, the capital of West Bengal, managed and operated by the Airports Authority of India. The airport opened its gates to the public in December 1924 and has been a significant aviation hub for eastern and northeastern India and a prominent airport in the Indian aviation sector. Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport encompasses an area of 6.64 square kilometres or 1670 acres of land, serving as a hub for several renowned airlines worldwide. The airport is ranked among India's six busiest airports, after Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. In the 2024-25 financial year, it successfully managed over 22 million passengers with over 93,000 aircraft movements.

Kolkata Airport Airport Terminal Overview

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport managed its passenger traffic with two terminals, each dedicated to a specific type of travel. This was due to modernisation in 1995, when a new terminal, Terminal 2, was opened and was used for domestic travel, making Terminal 1 the International terminal. Later, Terminal 2 went through an upgrade and now could manage over 25 million passengers, which was five times more than the previous one. This caused Terminal 1, or the older terminal, to be permanently closed after the new integrated Terminal was opened. Gather more crucial details about Kolkata Airport's new integrated terminal from the pointer below:

• Integrated Terminal (T2): Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport's integrated terminal covers an area of more than 233,000 square meters and can handle 25 million passengers annually. The structure was built in an 'L' shape, containing 128 Airport check-in counters, 78 Immigration counters, 12 customer counters, 18 aerobridges, and more than 55 remote parking bays.

See also: Chennai Airport Guide 2025

Airlines that operate from the Terminal of Kolkata Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport's integrated terminal manages several prominent airlines, including Indian and foreign-based ones. With an estimated 300 to 400 daily flights, the airport connects Kolkata to several crucial destinations, with a majorly focus on Asia. Below are some airlines that fly from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport:

• Air India
• Spicejet
• Jet Airways / Jet Connect
• Indigo
• Emirates
• Druk Air
• Biman Bangladesh
• Air Asia
• United Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• China Eastern
• Dragon Air
• Thai Airways
• Quick Jet Cargo
• Blue Dart

Transportation to and from Kolkata Airport

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is appropriately connected for the convenience of passengers and tourists. This way, passengers can easily access the airport using any means, whether metros, taxis, or buses. For better guidance, each possible transportation method to reach Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has been discussed below:

• Metro: The Kolkata Airport connects through the yellow line of the Kolkata metro from Noapara to Jai Hind Metro Station. The Jai Hindi Metro station is India's largest underground metro station and will soon connect with New Garia or the orange line metro. The future upgrade aims to interconnect this station's yellow and orange lines, providing better connectivity for passengers.
• Taxi & Cab Services: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has entrenched road transportation with prepaid taxis and cab services, connecting to several prominent locations in the city. Additionally, ride-hailing taxi & cab services, including Uber & Ola, regularly operate here, making travelling more effortless for passengers.
• Airport Shuttle & Buses: West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation (WBSTC) operates constant air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus and shuttle services, connecting various locations in Kolkata. These buses and shuttles are available at regular intervals with reasonable fares, starting at 8:15 in the morning and running until 11 at night.

See also: Jaipur Airport Guide 2025

Kolkata Airport Baggage Services & Lost and Found

Baggage Services

The courteous services provided by the Airport Authority of India make handling baggage at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport more manageable. If the bags being carried by the travellers meet the required criteria or conditions and clear the security screenings, passengers can employ the baggage services offered by the airport. The following pointers will explain the baggage services offered by Kolkata Airport:

• Left Luggage Facility: The Kolkata Airport offers left luggage/baggage storage facilities, allowing passengers to safely and securely store their luggage. If it passes the security scanning and hand searches, passengers can store their luggage for a few days or up to 30 days. The left luggage facility can be accessed 24/7 and booked at Counter No. 18 near Gate 3C.
• Trolleys: Baggage trolleys are located at the entrances and throughout the airport premises for passengers with more luggage. Additionally, passengers will have no shortage of trolleys, which can be easily accessed whenever required. This way, passengers can easily move their luggage wherever needed.
• Baggage Wrapping: If travelling with Fragile items, passengers can relax with the baggage wrapping service available at the airport. The bags are wrapped in eco-friendly plastics, and modern technology is employed. However, the service is not free and requires a fee of Rs. 399/-, including taxes, which is accepted via multiple payment channels.

See also: Delhi Airport Guide 2025

Lost & Found

Suppose you have lost access to your baggage or personal belongings while at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. You can request services at the Lost & Found Office. The office's operational hours are around the clock, offering necessary assistance regarding lost property, storage, retrieval services, and more. You can register a request by calling, faxing, or emailing. If the authority fails to deliver your lost property, they will notify you within 72 hours of registering the complaint. Below is some paramount information about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport:

• Location: Airport Manager, Departure Lower Level, Terminal 2
• Telephone: 033-2511 8036
• Fax: 033-2511 8877
• Email: lostfound@kolkatainternationalairport.com

See also: Ahmedabad Airport Guide 2025

Essential Documents to Claim Lost Property

The lost items, if found, can be collected by the owner, and at the moment of claim, they must have possession of the following documents:

• Copy of Boarding Card/Proof of journey.
• Copy of Passport/ID card issued by the Government body.
• Claim form with proper detailing of the item.

See also: Hyderabad Airport Guide 2025

Check-in and Security Procedures at Kolkata Airport

Check-in Process

Passengers have complete flexibility in selecting a suitable way to check in for their flights. They can consider checking in through the official website, self-help kiosks, or the airport checking counter. To better understand, let's discuss all the possibilities of checking in available at the airport:

• Web Check-in or Self Check-in: Checking in through web or self-help kiosks is similar; hence, it will be discussed in a single pointer. Web Check-in requires checking in through the official website of the airline passengers are flying with, while self-help check-in can be done through the kiosks present at the airport. These kiosks help you check in for your flight and print the baggage tags to bypass the long waiting queues and go straight to security.
• Traditional/Airport Check-in: Airport check-in offers a better understanding of the complexities and demands that all crucial details be prepared. Once you have arrived at the airport and are preparing to check in, follow the steps mentioned below to proceed:
  • Prepare your documents, such as an e-ticket, government-issued photo ID, and a Visa, and get in the queue for the check-in counter.
  • Patiently wait for your turn, and when the representative at the check-in counter asks, hand over the documents for verification.
  • Get your luggage tagged and head to the security to obtain the boarding pass to access the boarding area.

See also: Mumbai Airport Guide 2025

Security Procedure

The primary purpose of security checks is to ensure the safety of you and fellow passengers by checking whether any traveller has prohibited or illegal items. Each individual is appropriately checked, and their bags are screened carefully to examine the items being transported. However, there are some rules you must be aware of regarding the security checks. Pointers below will discuss it further:

• Regardless of the airline you are flying with, security checks are mandatory, and passengers will only be allowed to board if they clear security.
• All luggage, including your checked or carry-on bags, will be scanned through the X-ray machines for a thorough scan of your luggage.
• If you carry any electronic devices, such as phones, laptops, tablets, and more, you should consider putting them in a separate tray before proceeding through security.
• As a responsible passenger, you must inform us of any unclaimed or unknown baggage you spot at the airport.

See also: Varanasi Airport Guide 2025

Kolkata Airport Facilities and Amenities

Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has several services that make passengers' stays at the airport more convenient. Some of the services will be discussed in the pointers below for a better understanding:

• Airport Lounges: Lounges are available at the airport's domestic and international terminals, where passengers can unwind before boarding their flights. Additionally, there are two lounges in the security hold area of the domestic terminal and one lounge in the security hold area of the international terminal.
• ATMs: Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) of various banks can be accessed as they are located at the airport's vantage point. Passengers or tourists lacking cash can conveniently access money 24/7 through these ATMs.
• Wi-Fi service: High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the Domestic and international passenger waiting area. To connect to the complimentary Wi-Fi service, passengers must enter their phone number as the login ID and access the high-speed internet for 24 minutes without any charges.
• Cafes & Eateries: The airport has a wide range of cafes and eateries outside the domestic arrival level and one in the international departure level, giving passengers more options. These include Cafeccino, Cafe Coffee Day, the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Coffe & More, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, and more.

See also: Lucknow Airport Guide 2025

Special Services for International Travellers

Kolkata Airport offers a range of special services to cater to passengers' special needs and demands. This includes catering to passengers with special needs, helping unaccompanied minors and expectant mothers, and much more. We will explore some of the special services offered at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport:

• Childcare: Childcare rooms are available at the departure and arrival levels of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Passengers travelling with children or infants can use these rooms to facilitate essential requirements such as feeding, changing diapers, and more.
• Currency Exchange: Forex services are present to ensure a convenient and effortless experience for passengers, allowing them to exchange their currency. Seven foreign currency exchange counters are available at the airport.
• Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are available if passengers need medical services at the airport. The airport features medical inspection rooms at both the arrivals and departure levels, managed by AAI and Medica Super Speciality Hospital.

See also: Coimbatore Airport Guide 2025

Tips for a Smooth Experience at Kolkata Airport

With a bit of consideration over some smart tips, passengers can guarantee a seamless experience for themselves. Therefore, avoid the uncertainties and facilitate a smoother passage through the airport by understanding and implementing some crucial tips mentioned below: 

• If travelling internationally, consider arriving three to four hours before the flight's departure. For domestic flights, consider arriving two to three hours before the flight to ensure a smoother experience while clearing security checks, immigration, and more.
•  Keep the essential travel documents handy to bypass delays. These documents include tickets, ID proofs, Passports, Visas, and more. This way, you can save more time during various airport check-ins.
• Be aware of the announcements, as they are made to update the travellers about their flights, potential delays, and their names being called. Hence, passengers must be attentive and stay updated via announcements made at the airport.
• Reserve a hotel room closer to the airport for more extended layovers or stopovers to ensure it's easily accessible. This way, you can conveniently return to the airport for your flight without being stressed about transportation.
• When comparing Web Check-in vs. Airport Check-in, Web Check-in is always a wise choice. This is because it allows you to skip the long waiting queues and head directly to the security check, making the process more effortless and convenient.

See also: Bangalore Airport Guide 2025

Future Expansion Plans for Kolkata Airport

Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport aims to span 4 million square feet by 2033 and strive to become a central aviation hub. This expansion will include a new U-shaped terminal, a 100-acre cargo hub, improved metro connectivity, and infrastructure upgrades, including taxiways and new parking bays. This major expansion is valued at around ₹ 5000 crore and will increase the passenger handling capacity to 45 million annually. After this development, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport will be ranked among the top and busiest airports in the world.

Conclusion

The sections above discuss all the essential details regarding Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, including terminal information, airline operations, connectivity, services, and more. By referring to the informative article, you can facilitate a smoother experience for yourself and access the areas you want according to your demands and needs. Additionally, if you have any questions, you can consider contacting the airport representatives and receiving the required assistance. Therefore, you can have an incredible journey if you have some paramount information about your destination airport. If you travel to or from Kolkata, you can glean some crucial information from the informative sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which terminal does IndiGo use at Kolkata Airport?

Indigo's majority of operations at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport are conducted through the new integrated terminal, which is advanced and more capable.

Q. Is there a metro connection to Kolkata Airport?

Kolkata Metro's Yellow line connects to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport via Jai Hind Metro Station, India's largest underground metro station.

Q. Can I sleep at Kolkata Airport overnight?

Passengers can spend a night at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport by accessing the paid accommodations, which include its retiring rooms and dormitories.

Q. Are there food options for vegetarians at Kolkata Airport?

Travellers with a vegetarian preference can enjoy their meals at several cafes, pubs, and eateries at the airport. Food options include Indian, South Indian, Chinese, and other fast food.

Q. How early should I arrive at Kolkata Airport for an international flight?

When travelling internationally, passengers must arrive three to four hours earlier at the airport to effortlessly clear check-ins, security checks, and immigration.

Q. What are the different terminals at Kolkata Airport, and how do I know where to go?

Kolkata Airport used to operate with two terminals, but the older terminals were permanently closed after the expansion and introduction of a new integrated terminal in 2013. You can review the maps from their website or at the airport to guide yourself.

Q. Which airlines operate from Terminal 3 at Kolkata Airport?

There is no Terminal 3 in Kolkata Airport; instead, there is a single integrated terminal from which all the airlines operate daily non-stop flights to several prominent destinations.

Q. How can I travel between terminals at Kolkata Airport?

Flights are operated from a single integrated terminal at Kolkata airport, with distinct levels for Domestic and International passengers in the same building. While exiting the hall, passengers can use the escalator to reach the lower level; additionally, the maps will guide them.

Q. Is there free Wi-Fi available at Kolkata Airport?

Yes, passengers can access the high-speed Wi-Fi at the airport in both domestic and international waiting areas. This Wi-Fi connection can be accessed by entering your phone number as your login ID, and can be used for 45 minutes without any charges.

Q. Where can I find lounges at Kolkata Airport, and how can I access them?

The luxurious airport lounges are located in the security hold area of domestic and international terminals. They can be accessed by several methods, such as having an elite loyalty program tier, purchasing a day pass, or qualifying for credit or debit cards.

Q. Are there hotels near Kolkata Airport for layovers or overnight stays?

Several hotels near Kolkata Airport allow passengers to check in for an overnight stay. You can browse the internet and find a suitable match according to your preference.

Q. How early should I reach Kolkata Airport for a domestic flight?

If travelling domestically, passengers can consider arriving two to three hours before the scheduled departure time of their flights.

Q. What are the transportation options from Kolkata Airport to the city?

There are numerous reasonably priced transportation options to reach Kolkata Airport, including metro, taxis, buses, and shuttle services.

Q. Can I book a prepaid taxi at Kolkata Airport?

Travellers can book a prepaid taxi at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport prepaid taxi stand. They must pay a non-negotiable fare based on the distance.

Q. Does Kolkata Airport offer facilities for disabled or elderly passengers?

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport offers several facilities for disabled or elderly travellers. This includes wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and a dedicated help desk to request assistance.

Q. Where is the lost and found counter at Kolkata Airport?

If their property has been lost, passengers can consider reaching the Kolkata Airport lost and found help desk at Terminal 2, departure level.

Q. Is Kolkata Airport open 24 hours for travellers?

Like any other airport, Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is also open 24/7 for passenger departures and arrivals, although some specific areas may remain open for limited hours.

Q. Are there duty-free shops at Kolkata Airport for international travellers?

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport boasts several duty-free shops at the international wings' arrival and departure levels. These shops feature many unique products, including fashion essentials, liquor, cosmetics, and other beauty products.

Q. How do I check flight status for departures from Kolkata Airport?

To check the flight status, passengers can contact the airline they are flying with or check the live status through the airport's official website. If they are already at the airport, status is often displayed on the boards, and announcements are also made, allowing passengers to stay updated.

Q. Can I carry food inside Kolkata Airport or on the plane?

Passengers can conveniently bring solid food and sustenance inside the airport or onboard. However, the food must be odour-free and adequately packed, such as sandwiches, dry snacks, and fruits.