WEST BENGAL SET FOR FOUR NEW AIRPORTS AS UDAN EXPANSION TAKES FLIGHT

October 5, 2026

KOLKATA — West Bengal is set to receive four new airports under the Centre’s regional air connectivity programme, even as flight operations from Cooch Behar and Malda remain grounded.

The proposed expansion is expected to strengthen air connectivity to more parts of the state and provide new links between smaller cities and major urban centres. The initiative is being pursued under the UDAN scheme, which aims to make air travel more accessible beyond the country’s largest metropolitan hubs.

The development comes against the backdrop of continuing uncertainty over services from Cooch Behar and Malda. Despite having airports, both locations have faced disruptions in regular commercial flight operations, highlighting the difficulties involved in maintaining viable regional routes.

The addition of new airports could improve connectivity for passengers, businesses and tourism while supporting economic activity in areas that remain relatively dependent on road and rail transport. Better air links could also reduce travel time between Bengal’s districts and other parts of the country.

However, the contrasting situation at existing airports raises questions about the long-term sustainability of regional aviation. Building new facilities alone may not guarantee regular services unless airlines find sufficient passenger demand and routes receive dependable operational support.

The proposed expansion therefore represents both an opportunity and a challenge for West Bengal. While new airports could significantly broaden the state’s aviation network, ensuring that these facilities develop into consistently functioning passenger hubs will remain crucial to the success of the initiative.