New Kolkata airport terminal.
Airports Authority of India.
Long overdue and a couple of years behind schedule, Kolkata's swanky new airport terminal was finally inaugurated late last month. No doubt, it's impressive. Yet, don't get excited about trying it straight away. The terminal is currently only being used for international flights.
Domestic airlines are expected to shift their operations to the new terminal in a phased manner over the next couple of months. After this has been completed, the old airport terminal will be closed and the area used for the future expansion of the airport.
According to this news report, there's been resistance from airlines to move into the new terminal because of excessively higher charges and facilities, including proper signage, not being ready. Restaurants, ATMs, and other passenger amenities are also yet to become operational.
The new terminal cost 2,325 crore rupees to build, and this money is to be recouped through a User Development Fee payable by both outbound and inbound domestic and international passengers. It's going to be introduced on March 1, 2013, and will be 400 rupees for domestic passengers and 1,000 rupees for international passengers.
Get more information in this Kolkata Airport Guide.
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