Balurghat Airport in Dakshin Dinajpur is expected to become operational within a year after being handed over to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. A 19-seater service is planned initially, while operations by 72-seater ATR aircraft would require around 150 acres of additional land. The district administration has been tasked with acquiring the land. The ministry is also expected to apply for the operator licence as preparations advance to restore regional air connectivity from the airport.