Mosque Inside Kolkata Airport Obstructs Secondary Runway, Confirms Centre in Parliament

The Union Government has formally acknowledged that a mosque located inside the operational limits of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is obstructing the full functioning of the airport’s secondary runway.

The clarification was issued in the Rajya Sabha in response to a question by BJP Bengal President and MP Samik Bhattacharya.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that the mosque sits within the approach path of the secondary runway (19R-01L). Because of this, the northern threshold has been displaced by 88 metres, directly affecting runway performance and limiting its operational capacity.

The minister noted that Kolkata Airport operates two parallel runways—the primary runway used for regular operations and the secondary runway used during maintenance or emergencies. However, due to the obstruction posed by the structure, the secondary runway cannot be utilised to its full capacity, reducing flexibility during peak traffic or maintenance shutdowns.

This is the first time the Centre has formally confirmed the mosque’s impact on airport operations.

MP Bhattacharya also asked why the structure had not been removed or relocated despite repeated concerns over aviation safety. While the government acknowledged the obstruction, it did not specify reasons for the lack of relocation action.

Bhattacharya further raised questions regarding the delayed demolition of old terminal buildings required for the new integrated terminal. The Ministry said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is waiting for approvals from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) before proceeding. The timeline for demolition and construction remains pending these clearances.

In June, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari had called the mosque’s presence within airport premises a major security concern, pointing out that prayers were being conducted inside the airport boundary and alleging unsealed access points.

He warned that unrestricted movement of outsiders near an international airport with direct connectivity to China and Bangladesh posed additional risks. Adhikari had also said that operational delays related to the secondary runway stemmed from the issue of mosque relocation.