Kazi Nazrul Islam

Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport is not just an air gateway to the industrial city of Durgapur, but a unique project for all of India. Named after the famous Bengali poet, it became part of the country's first private aerotropolis — a city built around an airport. Opening for commercial flights in 2015, this modern and "green" airport, with a significant portion of its area dedicated to open spaces, quickly became a vital transport hub for the entire region. Its first passenger on the day of its unofficial opening was the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, even before regular commercial operations began.

Despite its compact size, Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport is designed with a focus on passenger efficiency and comfort. Its terminal is capable of handling up to 1 million people annually and can be expanded in the future. Thanks to a runway length of 2,800 metres, the airport can accommodate narrow-body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, connecting the region with the country's major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.

A particular advantage of the airport is its strategic location. It serves not only the Durgapur-Asansol agglomeration but also a vast surrounding area, including cities in the states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. Travellers have access to modern infrastructure, including multiple check-in counters, Wi-Fi, cafes, and shops. All this makes Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport a convenient and modern starting point for journeys across eastern India.

• Official Website: www.durgapurairport.com
• Helpline Phone: +91 700 140 2631
• Address: Service Rd, Block-Andal, P.O.-Faridpur, Durgapur, West Bengal 713221, India
• Email: info@bapl.in
• Social Media: Follow news and airport updates on the official pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Lost Baggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact your airline's representative first. If you have left personal items in the terminal building, please contact the administration at: +91 959 392 2789.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general information, flight schedule clarifications, and other assistance, please contact the help desk via the main airport phone number.

There are several ways to get to Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP), which serves the industrial city of Durgapur and its surroundings in India. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Regular bus routes operated by state (SBSTC) and private companies connect the airport with the centre of Durgapur, as well as neighbouring cities. The ticket price is usually around 50–100 Indian Rupees, however, the journey may take longer due to stops. The nearest major railway station, Durgapur (DGR), is located 25-30 km from the airport. From there, you can reach the terminal by taxi or auto-rickshaw in 45-60 minutes, which will cost approximately 400–600 Rupees.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most convenient and fastest ways to get to the airport. A trip from the centre of Durgapur will take from 40 to 60 minutes. The cost of a ride via ride-hailing services (such as Ola and Uber) varies in the range of 700–1000 Rupees depending on demand and traffic conditions. Pre-paid taxi services are also available at the airport and in the city, where the price is fixed and may be around 900–1200 Rupees. This is an excellent option if you are travelling with large luggage or family and value cost predictability.

For those who value independence, Car Rental is available. Several rental companies offer their services in the city. Prices vary depending on the car class and rental period, so it is recommended to check them in advance. If you are arriving at the airport in your own vehicle, there is parking available on the premises for short-term and long-term stays. The estimated parking cost starts from 100-150 Rupees for a few hours and depends on the duration.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that Kazi Nazrul Islam is a regional airport. If you need more flight options, consider alternative air hubs. The largest international airport in the region is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport in Kolkata. Other nearby airports in India include Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi and Deoghar Airport. All of them are a few hours' drive by train or bus from Durgapur and offer a wider network of domestic and international flights.

Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP) in Durgapur is a modern and compact aviation hub, making navigation simple and quick. There is one integrated passenger terminal operating here, which serves both domestic and international flights. Since all services are under one roof, passengers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. Upon arrival at the airport, you immediately enter the check-in hall where airline counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to a comfortable waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone is on the same level and includes baggage reclaim belts and customs control counters for international flights.

One of the main advantages of the airport is the speed of formalities. On average, flight check-in and security screening take significantly less time than in major hubs, usually about 30-45 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight departure and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. Navigation through the terminal is facilitated by clear signage in English and Bengali, and staff are always ready to assist and answer your questions.

Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP) is one of the youngest aviation hubs in India, and its history is a prime example of modern infrastructure development. Unlike many airports with decades of history, this one was built from scratch in the 21st century to stimulate the region's economy.

The idea of creating an airport in the Durgapur-Asansol industrial belt arose as part of an ambitious project to build the country's first private "aerotropolis" — a city whose economic life is centred around the air harbour. Construction began in the 2010s, and the official opening and launch of commercial flights took place in May 2015. This event became a turning point for the transport accessibility of the region.

The airport was named after the prominent Bengali poet, writer, and musician Kazi Nazrul Islam, highlighting deep respect for cultural heritage. Since the air terminal was built quite recently, it was initially designed taking into account modern standards and technologies, so there have been no large-scale reconstructions in its short history yet. Its main achievement is the successful implementation of the private airport concept, which has significantly improved the connection of an important industrial centre with the country's metropolises, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal is designed so that your stay here is as pleasant as possible, regardless of the purpose of your trip.

For those wishing to have a snack or drink coffee, the airport has several cafes and eateries where you can find both light snacks and substantial meals. In the shops, you can buy souvenirs, fresh press, and essential items. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, there are VIP lounges where one can relax in a quiet atmosphere. ATMs and currency exchange counters are located in the airport building, allowing you to easily solve financial matters upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen situations, a medical centre operates at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Mother and child rooms are equipped for families with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance, and the terminal infrastructure, including ramps and lifts, ensures a barrier-free environment. Although there are no hotels or large business centres within the airport itself, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity, many of which offer conference rooms for business meetings.

At Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport (RDP), passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. Although the choice of establishments is not as vast as in major international hubs, there is everything necessary to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight. The main food outlets are concentrated in the single terminal building.

Small cafes and eateries are located in the common area and the departure lounge. The menu usually features popular Indian dishes as well as light snacks. Here you can try local Bengali specialities such as samosas or kachori, order sandwiches, pastries, or a set meal (thali). Traditional masala tea, coffee, and soft drinks are always available.

For those looking for a quick bite, kiosks with packaged snacks and drinks are perfect. If you have time for a full lunch, check out the food court where hot meals can be ordered. Vegetarian options are widely available, which is a pleasant feature of Indian cuisine. Regarding other dietary requirements, such as gluten-free or Halal dishes, it is recommended to verify information directly with the staff at the establishment.

Food outlets are located in both the public area (before security control) and the sterile departure zone, allowing you to have a snack at any time. Opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule, so they are open to serve passengers of morning and evening departures. Prices at the airport are generally moderate, allowing you to refresh yourself without significant expense.

To ensure your journey through Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. The airport serves the city of Durgapur and is an important transport hub for the region. Although it is not as large as the capital airports of India, proper preparation will help avoid stress. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time for all procedures without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, straight to security. When passing through security control, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets, as well as the plastic bag with liquids, from your hand luggage. Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml are permitted in hand luggage. Power banks must be carried in hand luggage only.

If you have the opportunity to choose a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if the weather is clear. Aisle seats are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight without disturbing your neighbours. For passengers with connections, it is important to clarify with the airline whether your luggage will be checked through automatically to the final destination or if you need to collect it and check it in again.

Customs control is relevant for those arriving from abroad. Usually, passengers pass through the "Green Channel" if they have nothing to declare, or the "Red Channel" if there are goods subject to declaration. To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Also, arrange a transfer from the airport in advance to avoid inflated taxi prices.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and possible compensation (food, drinks). Kazi Nazrul Islam Airport is small, so entertainment choices may be limited. In this case, it is useful to have a book, movies downloaded to your phone in advance, or a charged power bank. Be sure to check your flight status online before leaving for the airport.