KOLKATA- The West Bengal Assembly on Dec 5, 2024, Thursday unanimously passed a motion urging the PM Narendra Modi government to facilitate the operation of direct flights by international and domestic airlines from Kolkata (CCU) to various cities in the US and Europe.
A source revealed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, during a preparatory meeting for the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) set for February 5 and 6 next year, expressed concern over the absence of direct international flights to the US and Europe in front of industrialists.
Kolkata to US and Europe Flights
Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who introduced the motion on behalf of the government, emphasized the importance of direct international flights for Bengal and highlighted the challenges faced by travelers.
She expressed gratitude to the leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, for supporting the resolution and agreeing to join a joint delegation to address the issue with the civil aviation ministry, if necessary after the state government’s actions.
I thank the leader of the Opposition for supporting the resolution I presented in the House. I am pleased that they (the BJP) are beginning to understand the needs and value of the federal structure. Launching direct international flights to Europe and the USA in the centenary year of Calcutta airport, which joined the civil aviation map in 1924, would be a tremendous achievement
Chandrima Bhattacharya, Finance Minister, WB
During the BGBS preparatory meeting, CM Mamata also raised this issue with industry leaders such as Sanjiv Goenka (RPSG Group chairman), Harshavardhan Neotia (Ambuja-Neotia Group chairman), and Sanjiv Puri (ITC Hotels Limited chairman).
She explored potential ways to initiate direct international flights from Kolkata (CCU) to major destinations in Europe and the US, according to the source.
Also Read: Washington Dulles Eyes Flights to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Singapore and Manila
Conflicts Between Two Parties
Despite the motion’s unanimous approval, the session saw debates between Trinamool Congress and BJP MLAs.
Debasish Kumar, the TMC’s Rashbehari MLA, accused the PM Narendra Modi government of not supporting Bengal in securing direct international flights, even though Kolkata surpasses cities like Chennai (MAA) and Hyderabad (HYD) in passenger numbers.
“This is part of the Union government’s deprivation politics,” Kumar said, presenting passenger data for international flights.
In response, Adhikari argued that blaming the central government was baseless, as Kolkata airport was already included in the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) and the Open Sky Agreement.
“We supported the motion because it concerns the people of Bengal. However, the central government has no further role since it has already included Kolkata among the six metro cities under BASA and the Open Sky Agreement. Now, it is the state government’s responsibility to hold discussions with domestic and international airlines to encourage operations,” Adhikari said.
Adhikari also suggested that the state government collaborate with key aviation players like the Tatas and referenced the Singur episode, where the Tata Nano factory project was abandoned.
He further pointed out delays in operationalizing new airports in Balurghat, Malda, Kalaikunda, and Hasimara due to the state government’s inability to provide necessary land for construction.
BJP legislators stated that the viability of direct international flights depends on passenger volume, which they argued is insufficient in Bengal due to the exodus of industries from the state.
“Unless businesses return to Bengal, it is unlikely that direct international flights will be reinstated,” a BJP leader said.
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