Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI) in Kolkata has expanded terminal infrastructure by 4,000 square metres to ease peak-hour congestion and improve passenger comfort. The upgrades increase annual passenger handling capacity from 26 mn to 28 mn. Authorities said the work aims to optimise operational speed and prepare the terminal for a larger reconstruction programme.

An additional 966 square metres has been commissioned at the departure level of the existing terminal building to relieve the domestic departure area and expand seating. The new space also serves the swing gate zone that handles both domestic and international travellers and has been made operational for immediate use. Officials indicated this measure is intended to reduce queues and streamline boarding flows.

The international departure section has been extended by approximately 3,000 square metres to permit rerouting of international traffic and the relocation of Immigration, Customs and pre-embarkation security check facilities. This restructuring is expected to improve passenger flow and to free additional secure hold space within the international zone. The extension is scheduled to become fully operational in the near term as authorities complete final fit-outs.

Officials noted the timing is critical as the airport prepares for a busy seasonal stretch with Hajj operations continuing until June 19 and an anticipated surge of travellers. Immediately after Hajj, authorities plan to demolish the legacy domestic terminal to create space for future expansion of the modern terminal footprint. On June 3 the domestic sector recorded 155 arriving flights carrying 25,096 passengers and 149 departing flights with 25,901 passengers, while the international sector handled 20 arrivals with 3,132 passengers and 22 departures with 3,736 passengers. Similar volumes were reported on June 2 and June 1, with daily totals regularly exceeding 50,000 passengers and prompting the need for the additional space and reorganised checkpoints.