KOLKATA— Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) is attempting to restore direct European connectivity after airport officials opened discussions with British Airways (BA) and Lufthansa (LH) about resuming flights from the eastern Indian city.
The talks took place during the Routes Asia 2026 aviation conference held in China last month.
Airport authorities are now preparing passenger traffic data for both airlines, focusing on travelers flying from Kolkata to Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America through connecting hubs.
The move comes years after British Airways suspended London Heathrow Airport (LHR) services and Lufthansa ended flights to Frankfurt Airport (FRA), leaving the city without nonstop links to Europe.
European Airlines Assess Demand
Officials at Kolkata airport said both airlines requested detailed passenger statistics before considering any future route planning decisions.
The airport currently estimates that nearly 500 passengers travel daily from Kolkata to Europe, the UK, and the US using connecting flights through Gulf and Indian hubs.
Most international travelers currently transit through Dubai International Airport (DXB), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Delhi Airport (DEL), or Mumbai Airport (BOM).
Aviation analysts believe these passengers volumes could strengthen the case for direct long-haul operations if premium demand improves.
British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air India (AI) previously operated nonstop services from Kolkata to Europe. However, all carriers eventually withdrew operations because of weak business-class demand and poor route profitability.
Industry experts noted that international airlines typically rely heavily on premium cabin revenue to sustain long-haul routes. Kolkata historically struggled to generate enough high-yield corporate traffic compared to larger Indian markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Airport Expansion Plans in Kolkata
Airport officials are also working to modernize facilities as part of broader efforts to attract international airlines back to Kolkata.
Planned upgrades include replacing paper-based notices with more than 30 digital display systems across terminal areas.
Authorities are additionally addressing passenger complaints regarding airport cleanliness and washroom conditions. Officials confirmed that maintenance teams now conduct overnight cleaning operations across several public-facing areas of the terminal.
Industry observers say airport presentation and passenger experience increasingly influence airline route planning decisions. International carriers often evaluate infrastructure quality, operational efficiency, and customer experience before launching long-haul services.
Kolkata currently handles approximately 25 international flights per day, primarily focused on Southeast Asian and Gulf destinations, according to Telegraph India flagged. Direct connectivity to Europe remains absent despite growing outbound travel demand from eastern India.
Global Challenges Persist for Indian Aviation
Despite renewed discussions, aviation experts caution that global market conditions may delay any immediate route launches.
Rising aviation turbine fuel prices and ongoing airspace restrictions continue to affect international airline operations worldwide.
Several airlines have already adjusted schedules in response to longer flight paths caused by geopolitical tensions and regional airspace closures.
These disruptions increase fuel consumption, operational costs, and aircraft utilization challenges on long-haul services.
Air India recently announced international route rationalization measures because of similar pressures impacting network profitability.
Analysts believe European carriers are likely to remain cautious before committing aircraft to new long-haul destinations.
Even so, Kolkata airport officials remain optimistic that improving economic conditions and rising international demand could eventually support the return of direct European flights after nearly two decades.
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