Kolkata Airport's New Terminal to Feature 21 Aerobridges for Efficient Boarding

Kolkata Airport is set to undergo a significant upgrade with the construction of a new second passenger terminal (T2), designed to streamline passenger boarding with 21 aerobridges. This Rs. 4,200 crore project will surpass the existing terminal (T1), which currently has 18 aerobridges, by allowing more travelers to board directly from the terminal, eliminating the need for bus rides to remote bays.

The U-shaped design of T2, as described by Kolkata Airport Director Pravat Ranjan Beuria, is expected to optimize spatial efficiency despite its smaller size. The terminal will cover 13 lakh square feet, compared to T1's 20 lakh square feet. The base of the U will host check-in counters, security checks, and retail outlets, while the arms extending into the apron area will feature boarding gates and additional amenities.

The new terminal will include seven boarding gates in each arm, with a second phase adding another seven gates facing south in the left arm. T2 is designed to accommodate 4,800 passengers per hour, a significant capacity to support the airport's growing traffic. The project reflects Kolkata Airport's commitment to enhancing passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Preparatory work for T2 is already underway, with construction on the boundary wall surrounding the old domestic terminal set to begin soon, followed by its demolition by the end of this year or early next year. Construction of the new terminal is expected to commence by late 2025 or early 2026, with a 48-month deadline for completion. The project also includes the demolition and relocation of the existing air traffic control tower to a new ATC tower, with phased relocation starting in March 2025.

Once completed, the new terminal will operate alongside the existing terminal until the latter is decommissioned around October next year. This development marks a significant milestone for Kolkata Airport, positioning it to better serve the increasing number of passengers with enhanced facilities and smoother boarding processes.

News by Rahul Yelligetti