In a significant move aimed at enhancing international connectivity, the West Bengal Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous motion on Thursday urging the Union government to facilitate direct international flights from Kolkata to Europe and the United States. The motion, which calls for closer collaboration between the state and central governments, highlights the growing demand for better air links to these regions and the potential benefits for tourism, business, and education.
The motion was introduced by State Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who stressed the need for both the Union and West Bengal governments to work together to attract airlines operating direct services from Kolkata to Europe and the US. The motion, which received widespread support, aims to address the challenges faced by travellers in the eastern region, who are currently forced to make multiple stopovers to reach these international destinations. Bhattacharya emphasized that such connectivity would greatly benefit students, tourists, and businesspersons in the region, particularly given the growing demand for travel to these regions.
The proposal received backing from the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, who expressed his support for the motion and stated that BJP MLAs would be part of any delegation sent to the Union Aviation Minister to discuss the matter. However, Adhikari also took the opportunity to criticize the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government for allegedly not providing land for the expansion of airports in the state. Specifically, he pointed to the airports at Hasimara and Kalaikunda, both owned by the Indian Air Force, and the issues surrounding the augmentation of a secondary runway at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata.
Despite these concerns, Bhattacharya remained optimistic, asserting that direct international flights from Kolkata to Europe and the US would help alleviate the travel difficulties currently faced by eastern India’s passengers. She pointed out that the last direct service to Europe from Kolkata was discontinued in 2022, leaving passengers with limited options. Currently, passengers flying from Kolkata to Europe or the US are required to make stopovers in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, or Singapore.
The motion also calls for the Union government to take concrete steps to enhance the city’s international flight connectivity, promoting Kolkata as a hub for global travel. The outcome of this motion reflects the growing emphasis on improving infrastructure and transportation to boost the state’s economy, tourism, and overall development.
