NewDelhi|Kolkata ,4th December 2025:
The central government has officially confirmed that a mosque located within the operational area of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is obstructing the airport’s secondary runway, reducing its overall operational capacity.
According to a written reply shared in the Rajya Sabha, the presence of the mosque near runway 19R-01L has forced authorities to displace the northern threshold by 88 metres, restricting full use of the runway. The issue was raised by a Member of Parliament, prompting the Ministry of Civil Aviation to clarify the situation.
Kolkata Airport has two parallel runways — the primary runway (19L-01R), which handles daily aircraft movements, and the secondary runway (19R-01L), intended to be used when the main runway is shut for maintenance or emergencies. However, due to the obstruction caused by the mosque, the secondary runway cannot be operated at its full length.
Despite multiple concerns raised over the years regarding flight safety, security, and navigation, the government did not explain why the mosque has not been removed or relocated from the restricted airport zone.
Meanwhile, delays continue over the demolition of old terminal buildings that would make way for a new integrated terminal. The government stated that this work is pending necessary approvals from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
With passenger traffic steadily increasing, aviation experts warn that limited use of the secondary runway could affect the airport’s future expansion and operational efficiency.
