Bagdogra Airport To Expand Wings With New Terminal

Bagdogra is a small hill station situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is often considered the gateway to Northeast India and the Eastern Himalayas. The airport in Bagdogra serves as the main entry point for travellers heading to popular tourist destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars, and Sikkim. According to recent reports, the airport will soon undergo a transformation, with plans to construct a new terminal that will be 10 times the size of the current facility. The Airport Director of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Mohammad Arif, has confirmed the construction of a new terminal at Bagdogra Airport.

This extensive development, set to be completed by March 2027, is designed to elevate the airport's status as a key gateway for travellers from North Bengal and the Northeast region. The new terminal will significantly ease congestion and effectively meet the increasing demand for both domestic and international flights, ensuring a smoother travel experience for everyone.

The new terminal will not only accommodate a greater number of passengers and flights but it is also expected to enhance the overall travel experience through modern amenities and improved services. Arif said that the existing airport will continue operations during the construction of the new terminal, ensuring minimal disruption for travellers.

Development In Phases

This initiative, valued at INR 1,560 crore, will be implemented in two strategic phases. The first phase will focus on constructing the terminal, while the second phase will enhance the airside infrastructure, which includes runways and taxiways. The initial phase of the new terminal will cover about 70,400 sq m, and a second phase is planned to add another 50,000 sq m.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the new terminal at Bagdogra on October 21. This project is part of a larger initiative that includes upgrades to the airports in Bagdogra, Varanasi, and Agra, as well as the inauguration of new airports in Rewa, Sarsawa, and Ambikapur.

About Bagdogra Airport

Bagdogra Airport is located approximately 16 kms from Siliguri in the Darjeeling district. Originally an Indian Air Force base, it has since developed into a fully operational airport that offers both domestic and international flights. The airport connects various major cities across the country with a range of direct and indirect flight options. You can take direct flights to destinations such as New Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. Several airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, provide services to the airport. Travelling from the airport to Darjeeling by car takes about three hours, depending on traffic conditions. The journey to Gangtok typically takes around four to five hours, also subject to traffic.