By Airport & Me
There are some airports that simply help you catch a flight. Then there are airports that quietly become a part of your travel experience. During my recent visit to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata, I spent some time observing not just the flights, but also the architecture, passenger facilities, artwork, and overall ambience.
From the moment I entered the departure terminal, the airport felt spacious, clean, and well-organised.
First Impressions
The glass façade of the terminal creates an elegant first impression. Large digital flight information displays are easy to spot, while the wide entrance area ensures passengers can move comfortably even during busy hours.
One thing I particularly liked was the abundance of natural light during the day and the modern lighting design during the night, giving the terminal a premium feel.
Easy Navigation
One of the strengths of Kolkata Airport is its clear wayfinding system.
Large overhead signs guide passengers towards:
- Check-in Portals (A–E)
- Security Check
- Toilets
- Drinking Water
- ATM
- Food & Snacks
Even a first-time traveller can easily navigate through the terminal without much confusion.
Celebrating Bengal’s Culture
Perhaps the most memorable feature inside the airport is the beautiful display of traditional Bengali folk art.
The colourful decorative installation adds a unique regional identity that many modern airports often miss. Instead of feeling like “just another airport,” Kolkata Airport reminds visitors that they have arrived in West Bengal.
This cultural touch makes waiting for a flight much more enjoyable.
Clean and Spacious Check-in Area
The check-in hall appears thoughtfully designed with:
- Wide passenger circulation areas
- Clearly marked airline counters
- Adequate seating
- Bright interiors
- Neat landscaping with indoor plants
The organised layout helps reduce congestion during morning departures.
Departure Gates
The boarding gate area is comfortable and functional.
Passengers have good visibility of flight information screens, and large glass windows allow aviation enthusiasts to watch aircraft movements on the apron while waiting for boarding.
For anyone who enjoys plane spotting, this is an added bonus.
Passenger Experience
During my visit, I noticed:
- Clean terminal environment
- Clear flight information displays
- Efficient signage
- Comfortable waiting areas
- Good accessibility features
- Modern infrastructure
These small details collectively improve the overall passenger experience.
Looking Ahead
Kolkata Airport continues to expand its infrastructure to handle growing passenger traffic. Recent terminal enhancements have increased the airport’s annual handling capacity from around 26 million to 28 million passengers, with larger expansion projects also planned for the coming years.
As Eastern India continues to grow economically, Kolkata Airport is well positioned to remain one of the country’s most important aviation hubs.
Final Thoughts
Every airport has its own personality.
Some impress with luxury.
Some impress with efficiency.
Kolkata Airport manages to combine modern infrastructure with the cultural identity of Bengal. Whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or simply connecting to another destination, the experience feels comfortable and welcoming.
For me, it wasn’t just another departure—it was another reminder that airports are far more than transport hubs. They are the beginning of every journey.
Photo Credits: All photographs featured in this article were captured by Rahul Kumar during his visit to Kolkata Airport and are published exclusively on Airport & Me (www.airportandme.com).