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Kolkata Airport Passenger Reviews and Kolkata Airport Traveller Reports
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 21 May 2013 by K Mainak (India) |
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Rating : 10/10 |  |
Queuing |  |
Cleanliness |  |
Facilities | |
Recommended |  |
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We were very lucky to use the new terminal, terminal 2 of the NSCBI Airport on our CCU-BLR indigo flight. Its a
new concept and some world class touches can be seen. The entrance area was good but some new shops are needed
inside. One thing which disappointed me was the aerobridges remained idle, we were taken by buses to board the
aircraft. This is a unique thing which you can see in Kolkata. On our arrival I noticed that the toilets were
filthy, fully water laden. Overall one sentence is perfect for this airport - mammoth building but as usual filthy
toilets!
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 22 April 2013 by M Das (UK) |
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Rating : 1/10 |  |
Queuing |  |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities |  |
Recommended |  |
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I have had the misfortune to have to use CCU several times in the last decade. Travelling in from London via
various airlines including BA, Jordan and Air India and staying in Kolkata for 2-3 weeks, I have always been
disappointed at the absolute lack of facilities airside - no shops to browse, no internet facilities. Arrivals is
always chaos with staff at the immigration desks acting as if they have just crawled out of bed with no sense
of urgency and barely any courtesy to tired passengers! I have used the Domestic terminal on a couple of
occasions which I found to be much better than international. For some reason they think it's acceptable to
be more efficient in the domestic terminal than in the international one. How does this make Kolkata look to
international travellers. The toilets are shocking and the security staff rude! To be honest this is the worst
part of my visit to India and it has put me off going.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 5 March 2013 by Paul Harvey (UK) |
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Rating : 7/10 |  |
Queuing |  |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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We flew from the old domestic terminal which is due to be replaced by a new terminal within the next couple
of months. Terminal entrance to plane, our tickets were checked ten times, our identity papers three times
and our bags were x-rayed twice – security is intense (and reassuring). There are few passenger facilities
either landside or airside. Despite its age and a sense of chaos, the airport worked fine for us and all queues
moved at a reasonable pace.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 7 December 2012 by G Chew (UK) |
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Rating : 2/10 |  |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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Immigration on arrival is fairly quick, although staff are not friendly. Departing both internationally and
domestically is a bit of a disaster. There is nothing to do airside, and the facilities are very old and
overused. Security is very tight, and staff are fairly hostile.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 22 May 2012 by Klas Eriksson (Sweden) |
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Rating : 1/10 | |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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Domestic arrivals was actually ok, with internet cafes, ATM, money exchange, plenty of seating to wait and
baggage arrived quickly. I arrived 3 hours prior to my flight to Dhaka and although the airline said check-in
was 3 hours prior to departure there was nobody there. When I finally got to check-in my bag, the queue to
immigration was long with at least 200 pax and the closer I got to the desks the more chaos I saw. Staff
were running around looking for passengers, shouting etc. At least the security guy smiled. I arrived 3 hours
before and did not have to wait more than 10 mins after security to board my flight, that describes the
queuing one has to expect here. I was relieved to leave this airport.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 24 April 2012 by Aditya Shrivastava (Australia) |
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Rating : 5/10 |  |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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Travelled through domestic airport from Ranchi and the domestic is amongst the best in class for old airports.
Down the steps, into a comfortable bus, quick ride to terminal then wait for luggage. Toilets on par with rest
of Indian airports. A bit confusing as luggage belt was not clearly indicated for our flight. Then international.
The guest area looks and feels world class. Checking area is dark and but efficient, queues are monitored,
check-in luggage screened and then quick check-in. Immigration is better than before with lots of officers and
polite ones! Sadly, upstairs is truly disgusting, an embarrassment to the international city of Kolkata. The
toilets were horrendous and did not look like they had been cleaned in a decade. Rubbish bins buzzed with
flies. Too many officials dressed too casually. Outdated chairs. No decent food for a 3 hour wait. Broken
window panes. Not sure how long before the new international gets up, but please, hurry up!
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 21 February 2012 by G Gilling (Australia) |
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Rating : 7/10 | |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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Security checks to enter the international terminal were slow. Check-in was quick, we were escorted through
the entire process, probably because we'd invested in business class for this part of the journey. The Clipper
Lounge was not great but OK. Traffic was quiet the evening we were there. Lighting is pretty unflattering and
it is a bit grubby, but my partner who'd been through 12 years ago was amazed at the improvement. Arrival
at the newer domestic terminal was similarly painless. Relieved not to be assailed by touts, beggars etc
grabbing luggage from the carousel on arrival and demanding tips as had been the case 12 yrs earlier. The
new terminal under construction is sorely needed but all in all the whole experience was quite good.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 1 February 2012 by D Whalley (UK) |
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Rating : 3/10 |  |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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This is probably the worst international terminal I have seen. Nothing looks clean, nothing seems to work
properly. The best thing about the airport is the relative lack of passengers. Check-in relatively easy once
past the numerous security checks. Between check-in and departure lounge more security checks. These seem
the serve no purpose other than keeping military staff employed. 'Duty Free shop' - a small kiosk selling
alcohol and cigarettes - is outside the departure lounge and hardly worth looking in. Once through the final
security there is little in the lounge. Rows of old uncomfortable seats and three small uninspiring and
expensive shops. The only interesting activity was to watch the cockroaches running across the floor. There
are toilets in the lounge - but they are dirty. Overall an 'interesting' experience.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 31 January 2012 by D Niyogi (India) |
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Rating : 9/10 |  |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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I used the terminal 2 which is the domestic terminal. Checking in was smooth and quick, had no trouble at
all. The departure lounge was small but clean. However the toilets were most certainly not clean. Security
was thorough but quick. When I returned from Lucknow and Delhi, the arrival was smooth. Had no trouble
collecting my baggage and got a taxi easily.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 6 December 2011 by R Raniga (Australia) |
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Rating : 2/10 | |
Queuing | |
Cleanliness | |
Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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Needs major overhaul for an Airport to be classed as International airport. Poor baggage handling,
trigger happy security who take delight in throwing their weight around. Poor service/equipment for disabled
travellers. Antiquated wheelchairs.
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KOLKATA AIRPORT customer review : 11 November 2011 by Kunal Deb Chandra (Canada) |
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Rating : 1/10 | |
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Facilities | |
Recommended | |
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This airport is not an International Airport. It looks like a train station and it seems that the new integrated
airport terminal is delayed by 1 year. Toilets are filthy, international lounge is dirty and the immigration staff
doesn't care. This airport needs serious upgrades to the terminal.
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Kolkata Airport customer review : 11 October 2011 by Jonathan Beard (Canada)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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This airport reminds of a train station from 1950 that has never been cleaned or maintained. You are only allowed
to check in 2 hours before your flight and must wait in the entrance area. If you love frequent body searches,
numerous x-ray machines, and hand searches of your luggage then this airport is for you. Don't forget to make sure
that at the security check desk they have remembered to stamp your luggage tags otherwise you will be forbidden
from boarding your aircraft. Exchange your rupees before you get to the airport because the exchange booth is slow
the rates very poor for exchange. In many ways the airport mirrors the city. On arrival line up to arrange a pre-
paid taxi before you leave the arrivals area but be careful because they try and scam you by giving incorrect
change and hoping that you won't notice. Then its off to find your cab by licence plate among the dozens of cabs
waiting. This can be exciting in the rain while fending off beggars, people trying to grab your bags, and others
who want to hold an umbrella for you.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 6 October 2011 by A Kumar (India)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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The security in the domestic terminal is awful. In the mornings and evenings, there is at least a 30 mins wait for
security check. This airport handles less flights than Mumbai or Delhi - but rudeness of staff and inefficiency of
service, lack of facilities etc has been perfected to a fine art.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 25 May 2011 by P Cordingley (UK)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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It has to be one of the worst airports in the world. I have travelled extensively and never
come across anything like Kolkata airport - it's filthy and plain disgusting. First
impressions are very important and airports needn't be flashy but they need to be clean and
efficient. On my last visit in 2011 I was shocked and disgusted by the state of the airport -
filthy inside and even filthier outside. The parking lot was littered with rubbish and there
were beggars.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 19 February 2011 by U Banerjee (India)
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |
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One of the worst airport I have travelled through and I am a Kolkata native. Both Domestic and
International (in particular) are very small and dirty. Baggage handler requested money to get
a baggage cart and help loading the goods onto it. Restroom needs cleaning. Sitting
arrangement while waiting for boarding at international airport is bad with torn seats. One
improvement over last 2 years is the immigration staff.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 8 August 2010 by L Ralte (India)
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |
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Poor facilities at the departure terminal. Announcements are few and hard to decipher! Though immigration was quick. Not enough place to sit while waiting for departure. And some of the
corner seats were dirty and need to be replaced. While arriving, one notice all the construction work going on there - still have a long way to go to catch up with airports abroad.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 10 June 2010 by A Ghosal (USA)
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |
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Upon arrival bus was provided to reach immigration building and same is true on return trip.
There are no airport gates which is unusual for an international airport. Bathrooms need
improvement and there is lack of ventilation and air-conditioning in the departure lounge.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 8 June 2010 by Mark Lindley (Germany)
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |
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A glum and grotty airport. The immigration officers were rude, toilets filthy and the
facilities not worthy of an international airport. For the approx. 30 meters from the gate to
the aircraft I had to board a bus. What an utter waste of time and fuel.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 26 May 2010 : by Dick Englert
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Customer Rating : 1/5 | |
Recent trip (April) thru Kolkata convinced me to never go there again. Airport Immigration
and Security were rude and uncaring. Slapped our passports on the counter with a huffy-get
out of here attitude. Security changed boarding rules regarding carry on baggage while we
were standing in line. All personnel expressed no concern for flight departure time.
Kolkata Airport customer review : 17 November 2009 : by Kurt Müller
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Customer Rating : 2/5 | |
It would be a wonderful treat if the Airports Authority of India people would find time to
check their dictionaries for the term "transit". My experience arriving from Dhaka and flying
onward to Dubai involved Jet Airways personnel having to retrieve my case from the carousel,
fill in a form (in duplicate with old-fashioned carbon paper) and then walk with me to
international departures (along the apron). There, despite having a boarding pass for my EK
flight issued by Jet Airways in Dhaka, I was escorted by Emirates staff to the check-in area
(by-passing immigration), where my suitcase was re-labelled and a new boarding pass was
issued.
KOLKATA AIRPORT review : 14 October 2009 : by D Bhattacharya
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Customer Rating : 2/5 | |
I use the international terminal twice a year (4 times, if you consider arrival and departure)
connecting from Frankfurt, Bangkok or Dhaka, It's just a sad airport. The officials are glum,
morose, wouldn't smile, wouldn't greet. Toilets are unworthy - how difficult is it to
construct and maintain standard toilets? The international departure lounge is small and dingy
and devoid of shops and eateries. Early this year, I even witnessed an altercation between a
passenger and a security personnel that was allowed to go on for almost half an hour - it
ended in a fisticuff! I know the domestic terminal is better, but that does not help me. I
love Kolkata, follow its development and have used the international terminal, on and off,
over the last 35 years. Some superficial changes were done, but nothing in essence has changed
over these years. I say, even if you cannot afford the glitter and space of Bangkok, KL, HK,
Seoul or Dubai, at least offer a smile to the weary traveller. I try to fly direct avoiding
transfers at Delhi or Mumbai, but I am finding it increasingly difficult to get a straight
flight from outside. I have seen some sketches of a new terminal that promises to be of
international standard. I hope I will be able to step through it in my lifetime!
KOLKATA AIRPORT review : 3 August 2009 : by A Nayak
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Customer Rating : 4/5 |  |
It is not a modern airport by any stretch of imagination and the services offered are
admittedly basic. You will not be spoilt for choices while shopping duty free for example. It
is however relatively small, functions smoothly, convenient, efficient and hassle free for an
airport offering immigration and customs services. Staff are generally helpful, efficient and
polite. Any one with experience of rigorous Indian security checks before and after a flight
will understand why this is my preferred airport in India. As in USA luggage transfer is not
automatic for international transit passengers and getting a prepaid taxi is the best option
out of the airport to the city. Domestic terminal is five minute's walking distance from the
international terminal. It is newer, larger and much busier than the international terminal.
KOLKATA AIRPORT review : 27 February 2009 : by Y Lee
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Customer Rating : 1/5 | |
Arrived from Singapore into terminal - run down and very different from Mombai airport.
Immigration official was not friendly - fortunately I carried many proof that I was on
legitimate business. Outside, it was total chaos and I was glad my local contacts picked me up.
KOLKATA AIRPORT review : 30 October 2008 : by G Becque
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Customer Rating : 3/5 | |
Used 4 times in October whilst on a tour. The airbridges are not working either for arrivals or
departures so short bus ride to an efficient immigration counter and then on to large (6 belts?)
luggage area. Baggage out quickly on both occasions then a short walk through to taxi/coach area.
Departures are a bit of a nightmare because of strict security and the fact there is little room
landside/airside when more than two aircraft are due out.T he executive/business lounge(?) for BA,
Emirates etc is landside but you can check in at the lounge which saves the big hastle with luggage
queues etc. Lounge is very poor - coffee/tea/soft drinks with veg/nonveg samosas only and the loos
were without paper and awash - and this in an Executive Lounge! You are not called through until
your incoming aircraft has landed and once through passport control (quick, with 10 desks) you pass
through further security to a small holding area with tiny snack shop , a duty free area and seating
before boarding. Your duty free is delivered to you as you hand in your boarding passes when
leaving. You wouldn't want to be stuck there with a delay. You are bussed to your aircraft and be
prepared for a bumpy take off - the runway is very uneven.
Kolkata Airport by Subrata Das
11 December 2007 Customer Rating : 
Arrival officials were very courteous. A large number of luggage carts available free. The arrival
area was clean, though did not look anywhere near the modern and the high-tech US airports that I am
so used to. There were taxi wallahs who came in as soon as we went out of the airport but stopped
bothering us as soon as we told them that someone was there to receive us. The departure lounge was
clean and had comfortable chairs, but was not large enough for the British Airways Boeing 777. There
was one gift shop that was too small but some nice stuff at reasonable prices. Unfortunately there
was no other shop or restaurant worth the name. In other words, compared to an international airport
anywhere in the civilized world, this airport will probably score a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10 for
passenger comfort. The security checks were thorough. There was a stall that shrink-wrapped all bags
for a nominal fee. If this airport added a few world-class restaurants and expanded the sitting
area, Calcutta airport would earn a lot more goodwill from the passengers.
Kolkata Airport by Mark Bickerton
9 December 2007 Customer Rating : 
Passed through Kolkata airport again last week, when flying to Chittagong on GMG. The airport
really is rubbish. Nobody helps or smiles, most of the staff seem to spend their time chatting to
each other and using up all the chairs provided for passengers. Airside there is nothing - not even
the putative tea station was open, so you are just stuck in this room with no information and no
refreshments. What is it with India and airports?
Kolkata Airport by Mark Bickerton
15 August 2007 Customer Rating : 
Intl-Domestic transfer. For those new to Kolkata, please note that the domestic and international
terminals are almost next to each other. Taxi wallahs outside will try to get you to take a taxi but
you dont need one- its a 5 minute walk and unless its raining, its quite pleasant to walk.
Kolkata Airport by S Ganguly
3 March 2007 Customer Rating : n/a
I visited CCU airport this winter. The arrival area was dirty, but
luggage retrieval smooth. The departure area was so small that line
extended almost to outside the international airport terminal. Departure
booking area was good and clean, immigration check points were also OK.
But departure lounge was too small for BA flight. I had to sit on the
floor during security check. Is it too much to have Kolkata badly needs
a medium size international terminal.
Kolkata Airport by Yuko Tobenai
8 November2006
I just could not believe it. Such a large city which is mal-administered
and the airport (both international and domestic) is puny, ugly,
overcrowded and a shame on a city which even in 1960's was a pinnacle
which other cites in Asia used to look up to. Is this because at the
expense of Calcutta (Kolkata) the other cities where the effective
politicians lived became great.
Kolkata Airport by Sekhar Ray
18 July 2006
A very small airport with few facilities.It is relatively clean inside
but the departure lounge is cramped and there are no comfy chairs to
rest in should you have a long wait before your flight. The toilets are
not clean or modern. Security is very tight. The lines at the
immigration were much slowed down by the staff occupying the counters
and working at a very slow speed. What should take minutes, took more
than a half hour. The baggage collection depended on one single belt for
the entire area; the belt looked like a relic and needed replacing. The
long wait for the passport and exit paper check was tedious and time-
consuming and made more so by the speed at which the staff was working.
Horrible taxi drivers and "luggage helpers" who harass arriving
passengers at International from the moment they step out of the
building, and rip them off left and right.
Kolkata Airport by Arnab Sengupta
1 June 2006
Arrival – The airport terminal corridors look ancient and poorly painted
with uncomfortable smell of old air-conditioners, you have to be guided
by airport staff for the baggage collection area as the signs were not
prominent. Baggage Collection took a long time, got delayed due to
abrupt stopping of conveyer belt for sometime, though started again
eventually. Customs officials do take their own time but probably within
acceptable limits. What is much appreciated is the officials don’t
harass you unnecessarily (for money) unlike other airports like
Mumbai/Delhi. This is why I prefer this airport as entry point to India.
The exit points after green channel can be crowded depending upon how
many flights have arrived. When you step outside make sure you have
someone waiting for you otherwise book a pre-paid taxi before leaving
(always ask the staff inside the airport in case of confusion).
Otherwise taking a taxi outside can be a big pain and there are always
aggressive touts waiting to pounce on you. Departure – The visitors
lounge is small and looks ancient. The checking is average although the
officials are good and helping provided you ask for assistance. The
waiting lounge smells cigarette and this is because people can smoke at
one corner with the smell spreading around. Also it is very cold at
night as the air-conditioner is not climate controlled adding to
discomfort. In both cases the passengers are taken to the plane through
buses instead of aerobridge. The toilets are ok, but not clean or
modern. Don’t expect anything from duty-free shop. Security is very
tight. Overall comment – Needs modernisation in terms of facilities and
infrastructure upgrade. But this won’t bother you unless you are staying
long within the airport. What is more important is that the officials
won’t hassle you unnecessary unlike other airports, and this is what
matters to you when you are travelling in India.
Kolkata Airport by Swarup Dutta
20 May 2006
Kolkata Airport has changed a lot for better. I find the lounges more
spacious and better equipped than the new domestic terminal of Mumbai.
Of course its in no comparison with the big International Airport. The
security checks need to be managed better to reduce the Q length. There
should be more Restaurants and cafes. Also more Passenger Amenities need
to be installed. Hope it will improve in near future. Presently there
are too few International flights from this Airport. Hope to see more in
the coming years.
Kolkata Airport by Vijay Sampat
2 January 2006
On my recent trip to Calcutta, I arrived at the international airport on
October 21 and left on December 6, 2005. I was much distressed and made
uncomfortable by the physical condition of the airport and by the
process of entry and exit. As a former resident of Calcutta, visiting
there annually (or every 2 years), I was reminded of the late 60’s and
70’s Calcutta. Dim and grimy light fixtures and signage, soiled and
unclean washrooms with water seepage and nonworking water taps and the
general dinginess did not make me feel welcome to the city. The lines
at the immigration though generally disciplined were much slowed down by
the staff occupying the counters and working at a very slow speed. What
should take minutes, took more than a half hour. The baggage collection
depended on one single belt for the entire area; the belt looked like a
relic and needed replacing. Customs officers were scattered about near
the final exit in an unorganized way, not at any counters, adding to the
confusion and delay. When I left on December 6, a crowded and altogether
too small a departure area left me aghast. The currency exchange with
only one money-changing agency was in a cramped space with no upright
tables or counter space to fill out the forms. I gave up on the idea and
was able to exchange money only in Singapore: the process took less than
5 minutes. The long wait for the passport and exit paper check was
tedious and time-consuming and made more so by the speed at which the
staff was working. I had come in very early to the airport because I
had been warned. All this makes me wander if Calcutta will ever be ready
to welcome the international passenger, or attract the international
business client that it so desperately seeks. In contrast, my domestic
flights from the adjacent area of the same airport were smoother, more
orderly, with the processing much faster. This area, however, seems to
have reached its maximum capacity and could use expansion, more
maintenance and sprucing up.
Kolkata Airport by Rahul Biswas
1 May 2004
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata has improved substantially over the past
few decades. It's relatively clean and the immigration / customs both inbound and outbound is now
pretty good. Expect an interminable wait for your luggage once you disembark and to be assaulted by
so-called luggage porters and beggars as soon as you step outside. In recent years, the new Eastern
Metropolitan Bypass has made travel to and from the airport somewhat easier. The airport restaurant
had been closed for a good bit but is now open again and is fairly good.
Kolkata Airport by Deeshon
Munshi
24 April 2004
Being a former resident of Calcutta. I usually fly into CCU from either Bangkok or Singapore. CCU
has really changed from that of 20 years ago when baggage handlers used to rip through any bags that
very not kevlar reinforced ! The new baggage carousel upon arrival is a respite from the older one
but still leaves a lot to be deserved. The new Immigration area is also more roomy, however the
computing skills of the officers are not quite up to speed.
Unfortunately, almost nothing has happened with the departure lounge and the departure procedure -
it is in fact quite a chore to go through still . The last couple of times that I was there, the
smoking rooms were incapacitated. Also there is room for improvement in the
entertainment
department. Bengali's should really greet their visitor a lot heartily than currently on offer !
Kolkata Airport by B Mukherji
11 July 2004
I was surprised at how much better Calcutta/ Kolkata Airport has become in recent years. Once a
dump, the domestic terminal is actually the best in India. The staff is friendly and relatively
efficient, the terminal is relatively clean, and has more modern facilities than Mumbai and Delhi.
Unlike Delhi and Mumbai, Kolkata's domestic and international terminals are adjacent to each other,
so you don't have to get ripped off to transfer from one to the other. The international terminal
is not quite as clean and as efficient, but still a lot better than Delhi and Mumbai, and even
Bangalore, which in spite of being a high tech hub, badly needs a new, modern airport facility.
However, Kolkata has three drawbacks: 1) inability to handle higher air traffic,
ie not scaleable,
and lacks certain technical capabilities resulting in many flights with problems diverting to
Bangkok; 2) unable to handle landings in heavy fog during the winter; 3) horrible taxi drivers and
"luggage helpers" (NOT!) who harass arriving passengers at International from the moment they step
out of the building, and rip them off left and right.
Kolkata Airport by K Müller
22 June 2004
I often use CCU to fly to and from Dhaka, so I use both the domestic and international facilities.
Clearly, the domestic terminal is far more user-friendly than its international counterpart, which -
particularly in the check-in area - is somewhat cramped and dingy. The major drawback, though, is
that there is no covered, air-conditioned walkway to connect the domestic and international
buildings. This simply addition would make turn what is a necessary ordeal into a pleasant transit
experience.
Kolkata Airport by G Cuda
6 January 2004
A very small airport with few facilities. Hopefully the introduction of an extra flight from
BA
each week will bring more people through so the standard will rise.
It is relatively clean inside but the departure lounge is cramped and there are no comfy chairs to
rest in should you have a long wait before your flight.
Another point is that to stay in the airport rest rooms you must have flown in and be waiting for a
connecting flight. This is not made clear on their website.
Calcutta Airport by O Lloyd
26 November 2003
Calcutta Airport has come up to speed in the recent years, and it's about time too!
I only used to fly into CCU because it was the closest International Airport to Orissa, and cut my
journey time by a day. However, it was always a tiring and bothersome task fighting my way through
the immigration and baggage handling policies they seemed to practice - slow, slower and, at one
stage, stop!
Flying in wasn't too bad - on a good day, I could be off the plane and in a taxi within the hour
(depending on the carrier).
However, departing from CCU was a chore - Immigration, then check your baggage tags to bags, then
Passport Control, then a small tussle with Security and Baggage Check, then finally the (what seemed
like a mile) hike to the plane!
However, those days are gone if you fly in with BA - they insisted on a proper Gate being
constructed, and it is now up and running! Much to my delight, it's just a hop and a skip to the
plane, and then you're on your way.
Yes, you still have to grapple with Security and Passport Control, but the last three times I have
flown into/out of CCU, I have been spared the ordeal of searching for my bags and tallying them up
with my ticket tags.
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