Kolkata: A host of overseas airlines are currently planning to revive their operations from the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. West Bengal government officials are already in conversation with these foreign airlines to draw the roadmaps for their re-entry into the city.
A key highlight of CM Mamata Banerjee’s UK visit was her direct appeal to British Airways to reinstate flights to West Bengal.
In response, British Airways plans to survey throughout April to examine all the necessary logistics of re-starting the Kolkata airport operations.
Currently, British Airways plans to fly two direct flights between Kolkata and London every week on an experimental basis. Depending on its success, further plans will be made subsequently.
Additionally, plans are afoot to resume operations of a few other airlines that were disrupted during COVID-19. These include Sri Lankan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malindo Airlines and China Eastern Airlines.
In a special meeting attended by Home Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport Director P R Beuria and AAI Chairperson Anushila Chaturvedi, these airline officials discussed the revival roadmaps.
There were discussions on special incentives on fuel for these airlines. Besides there were talks to reduce the User Development Fee and Passenger Service Fees at Kolkata airport.
While these decisions will be undertaken by the Airports Economic Development Authority, there will be further consultations with these airlines as well as Air India before resumption.
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