Kolkata Airport Celebrates 100 Years Of Aviation Legacy

Celebrations are set to begin in mid-December and will run through March 2025, marking a century of the airport’s remarkable journey as a vital hub connecting the 'City of Joy' to the world.

Originally established as the Calcutta Aerodrome in the early 1900s, the airport quickly gained international significance. By 1924, it had become a major stop for KLM Airlines, which used the route to connect Amsterdam to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta). That same year witnessed several historic moments, including the first night landing under torchlight on November 14 and the arrival of French pilot Mr. Doycee in May.

During the British era, Dum Dum became a strategic stopover for flights linking North America, Europe, and Asia. The establishment of the Bengal Flying Club in 1929, inaugurated by Sir Stanley Jackson, further enhanced its importance. Post-World War II, the airport evolved into a commercial aviation hub, hosting leading airlines such as Pan Am, Air France, and Aeroflot.

Renamed in the 1990s to honor freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the airport underwent significant transformations. A modern domestic terminal was constructed in 1995, and with the rise of low-cost carriers in the 2000s, passenger numbers soared. This surge prompted the development of an integrated terminal, which opened in 2013, along with other upgrades that cemented Kolkata Airport’s status as a key gateway in India.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has planned an array of events to commemorate the centenary. Celebrations will include historical exhibitions, cultural programs, signature campaigns, and panel discussions. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are expected to attend the opening ceremony.

Reflecting on this journey, the AAI celebrated the milestone on social media, calling the airport “a testament to timeless brilliance, where history whispers, culture thrives, and the skies unite.”

As it steps into its second century, Kolkata Airport not only honors its rich legacy but also looks forward to shaping a bright future in global aviation. For the city and its people, it remains a vital gateway, bridging Kolkata to the world.

(This story has been slightly reworked from an auto-generated PTI feed.)