Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport marks 100 years with centenary logo unveiling by Aviation Minister

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, celebrated its 100th anniversary today with the unveiling of its Centenary Celebrations Logo. The event was attended by Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Vipin Kumar, Chairman of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Dr. Sharad Kumar, Member (Operations), Sh. Pankaj Malhotra, Member (Finance), Dr. H. Srinivas, Member (HR), Smt. Rubina Ali, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and other officials. The celebrations recognize the airport’s legacy and its contribution to India's aviation history.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, inaugurated in 1924, is one of the oldest airports in India. It has played a pivotal role in the development of civil aviation in the country. The airport has witnessed significant historical milestones, starting from the pre-independence era. Initially known as Dum Dum Airport, it served as a hub for international flights during the British colonial period. After independence, the airport underwent multiple expansions, transforming into a major international gateway and a key hub for domestic flights.

The airport has played an important role during various historical phases. During the pre-independence era, it was crucial for military and commercial aviation. Post-independence, the airport became a significant hub for both domestic and international air travel, supporting the country’s economic growth. The airport’s infrastructure has seen continuous upgrades, including the construction of new terminals and expansion of runways, to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. These upgrades have been in line with the expansion of the aviation sector in India.

The Civil Aviation Minister, in his address, emphasized the importance of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, launched in 2016, in democratizing air travel. The scheme has expanded regional connectivity, making air travel accessible to smaller cities and rural areas. Over 600 new regional flights have been launched under the UDAN scheme, with thousands of passengers benefiting from affordable air travel. UDAN’s success has significantly contributed to the growth of domestic aviation and expanded the reach of regional airports like Kolkata.

In addition to the unveiling of the centenary logo, the celebrations include a series of initiatives. The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the release of a commemorative stamp and coin, both designed to mark the airport’s historical significance. Furthermore, an art book will be launched that showcases India’s cultural heritage, reflected in the modern architecture of its airports, including Kolkata. The centenary celebrations will run for three months, featuring events and activities that engage the local community and highlight the airport’s significance in the region.

As part of the centenary celebrations, a UDAN Yatri Café will be introduced at Kolkata Airport. This café will cater specifically to passengers traveling under the UDAN scheme, providing services tailored to their needs. The establishment of the café is part of broader efforts to enhance the passenger experience and promote the goals of the UDAN initiative.

In recent years, Kolkata Airport has seen extensive modernization and capacity enhancements. The terminal facilities have been upgraded with world-class infrastructure to manage the growing volume of passengers. The airport has expanded its cargo operations and is now an important center for freight transport in eastern India. These upgrades are in line with India’s growing position as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with plans to continue expanding to become the largest domestic aviation market in the world. The improvements also reflect the focus on the overall development of India’s aviation infrastructure, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.