Kolkata: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari has written to Union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, requesting the revival and operationalisation of Behala airport.
“Behala airport will greatly boost the industrial development of Kolkata and South 24 Parganas.
Arguing in favour of reviving the airport, Adhikari said it could play a significant role in decongesting NSCBI Airport at Dum Dum. It will also improve regional connectivity, support medical evacuation, and provide impetus to tourism and trade in south Bengal,” chief minister told the aviation minister, urging him to consider commencement of commercial operations, including UDAN/regional connectivity services at the earliest. “The state govt will extend all possible support and facilitation for land, security, and other clearances required for this purpose,” Adhikari said. Aviation industry experts said one of the biggest challenges for introducing fixed-wing aircraft services, including ATR, was flight safety as many buildings had mushroomed around the airport. “Obstacles have to be mapped and removed for operations to happen,” said a veteran pilot.
Another hurdle is the narrow access road to the airport.