Apart from Etihad Airways which is set to begin operations from February 2015, Japan and Turkish Airlines may also be planning to fly from Kolkata. “Besides Etihad Airways, talks are on with Turkish Airlines and Japan Airlines and these two may also soon start their operations from here,” said Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCB Airport) Director B.P. Sharma.

German carrier Lufthansa is also in talks over starting their operations. Close to Rs.1,000 crore has been earmarked to better aircraft handling and maintenance services at the terminal. At present, the city airport tackles annual traffic of 11 million passengers while 23 foreign airlines companies operate outside the airport.

Sharma also hinted that the city airport may establish new terminal over a course of five years as traffic volume continues to expand. “As of now, the terminals are half utilized; once the capacity is full, a new terminal may be needed,” he said.

Source: Travel News Digest