Kolkata Airport Set to Nearly Double Parking Bays with Major Upgrade by 2033

Kolkata, September 1, 2025 — In a significant infrastructure push, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and airport officials have unveiled plans to ramp up the airport’s capacity by nearly doubling the number of aircraft parking bays to 132 by 2033. This ambitious expansion is accompanied by a comprehensive upgrade of terminal facilities to better serve escalating passenger traffic.

Expansion Scope: Parking and Terminal Overhaul

The project, spanning over the next eight years, aims to upgrade the airport’s airside infrastructure to accommodate future flight operations. The strategy includes:

Doubling aircraft parking bays to 132, up from the current limited capacity.

Overhauling and expanding terminal infrastructure, enhancing operational capabilities and passenger experience in anticipation of growing demand.

Rationale Behind the Project

The airport, currently operating close to peak capacity, needs to respond to rising travel demands—both domestic and international. Planners anticipate these upgrades will:

Alleviate runway congestion and improve aircraft turnaround times.

Facilitate better logistics and reduce delays for arriving and departing flights.

Set the groundwork for making Kolkata a key aviation hub in eastern India.

Supporting Infrastructure Developments

This expansion ties into a broader modernization strategy:

An underpass under VIP Road, linking the current operational area with a future cargo complex, is already underway. It clears space for more parking bays plus enhanced logistics.

Parallel terminal renovations—including demolition of old sections and temporary modular additions—are enhancing capacity ahead of the longer-term overhaul.

Looking Ahead

The eight-year roadmap aims to align infrastructure with the city’s growing aviation footprint. Stakeholders envision:

Seamless airport operations with ample bay capacity.

A modern terminal environment that meets global standards.

Reinforced Kolkata’s position in regional and international aviation.