India is taking significant steps to revive international air connectivity by pushing for the restoration of direct flights from Kolkata Airport to key global destinations. In collaboration with Air India and major international carriers, including European airlines, the initiative aims to strengthen Kolkata’s role as a crucial hub for both business and tourism. The push focuses on launching direct routes to Europe and Asia, boosting the region’s connectivity and recovery post-Covid. With strong backing from the state tourism department and local stakeholders, this effort is set to enhance Kolkata’s position on the global aviation map.
Kolkata’s Effort to Launch Direct European Flights Gains Momentum
In a significant move to revive international air connectivity, Kolkata’s airport operator, the state tourism department, and associations representing travel agents are taking steps to attract major global carriers. The group, in collaboration with Air India (AI), is preparing a comprehensive pitch to European airlines including British Airways (BA), Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and KLM. The aim is to resume direct flights from Kolkata to London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and beyond. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to re-establish vital international connections that were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Joint Pitch for Direct Flights to Europe
At the heart of this effort is a commitment from the airport operator and tourism bodies that there is enough demand to sustain not just one, but two daily flights to key European destinations. Aimed at fostering tourism and business exchanges between Kolkata and Europe, the proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders in the region.
The airlines being approached include some of the most well-established in the European market, such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, and KLM. The joint pitch also involves seeking Air India’s support for the initiative, as the national carrier already operates some international routes from Kolkata, albeit with limitations.
This strategic pitch follows the recent cancellation of direct flights from Kolkata to London, a service once operated by British Airways. The carrier ended its Kolkata-London route in March 2009, after nearly 80 years of operation. Similarly, Air India, which continued operating direct flights to London after the pandemic, has also discontinued these services.
Focus on Asian Airlines and Resumption of Pre-Covid Routes
In addition to European carriers, the airport operator and the tourism bodies are targeting Asian airlines to restart pre-Covid international routes. They are reaching out to airlines such as Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, and IndiGo Airlines, urging them to resume flights to Kolkata. These airlines had served the Kolkata market prior to the pandemic but have yet to return.
The desire to reconnect Kolkata with the rest of Asia is driven by the need to cater to the increasing demand for international travel and the growing interest in the city’s expanding role as a business and cultural hub. Restoring these pre-Covid connections will be critical in helping Kolkata regain its status as a major air travel hub in the region.
