Kolkata Airport Begins Talks with British Airways, Lufthansa for Return of Direct Europe Flights

Kolkata could soon witness the return of direct air connectivity to Europe after years of relying on transit hubs, as airport officials have initiated discussions with major international airlines to resume long-haul operations from the city.

A team of officials from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, recently held talks with representatives of British Airways and Lufthansa regarding the possibility of restarting flights from Kolkata. Both airlines had earlier operated services from the city before discontinuing them years ago.

The discussions took place during Routes Asia 2026, a major aviation networking event held in China in April, where airport operators, airlines and tourism stakeholders gathered to discuss route expansion and air service development across the Asia-Pacific region.

According to airport authorities, British Airways and Lufthansa have requested detailed passenger data on travellers flying from Kolkata to Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“I spoke to representatives of British Airways and Lufthansa at Routes. They have asked for data on the number of passengers from Calcutta travelling to Europe and the UK. I will prepare the report soon and send it to them,” Vikram Singh, Director of Kolkata Airport, told media.

Strong Passenger Demand Exists

Industry experts say Kolkata already has a sizeable international travel market.

Around 500 passengers from Kolkata travel daily to Europe, the UK and the US, according to travel industry estimates. However, most passengers currently transit through Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, while others connect through Delhi and Mumbai.

This growing outbound demand is one of the key reasons discussions around restoring direct connectivity have gained momentum.

Kolkata Once Had Direct Flights to Europe

Kolkata previously enjoyed direct international connections to Europe through British Airways, Lufthansa and Air India.

Air India had operated the Dhaka–Kolkata–London route until October 2008, after which services were discontinued. British Airways later withdrew its direct London flights, while Lufthansa suspended its Frankfurt operations, leaving Kolkata without direct air links to Europe.

Airline officials at the time cited weak business-class demand and low profitability as major reasons behind the withdrawal.

However, aviation stakeholders believe changing economic conditions and rising business activity could improve the viability of international routes from Kolkata.

“There are around 500 passengers from Calcutta travelling to Europe, the UK and the US every day on average. Most go through Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, while some travel via Delhi and Mumbai,” said Anil Punjabi, Chairman, Eastern Region, Travel Agents Federation of India.

Industry observers believe that stronger investment activity in Bengal and increasing global business engagement could create sufficient premium demand for airlines to reconsider Kolkata.

Airport Modernisation Underway

As Kolkata pushes for more international connectivity, the airport is also planning improvements to its infrastructure and passenger experience.

Airport officials have announced plans to replace paper notices across terminals with more than 30 digital display stands, aimed at modernising the airport environment.

Authorities are also working on improving washroom conditions and general upkeep of terminal facilities following passenger feedback on social media.

The airport director stated that walls near departure ramps are now being cleaned regularly as part of maintenance efforts.

Global Challenges Remain

Despite optimism around the talks, aviation experts caution that immediate route launches may be difficult due to ongoing global uncertainties.

Airspace restrictions linked to geopolitical tensions, longer flying routes, increased operational costs and record-high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices continue to impact airline economics globally.

Recently, Air India also announced rationalisation of several international services, citing operational and cost-related challenges.

While direct Europe or US-bound flights may not return immediately, the fact that conversations have restarted marks an important step forward for Kolkata’s global connectivity ambitions.

For a city that once had direct access to London and Frankfurt, the possibility of reconnecting with Europe may once again be entering serious discussion.