Etihad Airways to begin operations from Kolkata in February

Etihad Airways is set to commence operations from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCB Airport) in Kolkata February onwards, an official said Tuesday.

"Besides Etihad Airways, talks are on with Turkish Airlines and Japan Airlines and these two may also soon start their operations from here," airport director B.P. Sharma told IANS.

"German carrier Lufthansa is also in talks over resuming their operations," said Sharma adding that Rs.1,000 crore has been allotted to improve aircraft handling and maintenance services at the terminal.

Presently, the city airport handles annual traffic of 11 million passengers while 23 foreign airlines companies have operations out of the airport.

Sharma also hinted that the city airport may have a new terminal over a course of five years as traffic grows.

"As of now, the terminals are half utilized; once the capacity is full, a new terminal may be needed," he said.