Behala Airport

Behala Airport occupies a modest strip of land in the southern fringe of Kolkata's urban sprawl, in the Maheshtala municipal area of South 24 Parganas district. Originally developed as a flying club airstrip, it now serves as a base for general aviation, flight training, and occasional charter operations. It is not a commercial passenger airport – there are no scheduled flights to or from Behala. The facility is primarily used by the Behala Flying Club, the Indian Air Force for training, and private aircraft owners. The airport sits roughly 15 kilometres from central Kolkata, accessible via the busy Diamond Harbour Road. Its location, surrounded by residential and commercial development, means it is an integral part of the local landscape, though many residents may not be aware of its role in regional aviation.

Getting There

Reaching Behala Airport from central Kolkata takes about 30 to 45 minutes by road, depending on traffic. The most straightforward route is via Diamond Harbour Road (State Highway 1), which connects the city to the southern suburbs. Buses from Esplanade (routes 20, 20A, 45, and several others) run frequently along this road; get off at the Behala Chowrasta or the Maheshtala stop, then take an autorickshaw or taxi the remaining 2–3 kilometres to the airport gate. Autorickshaws are plentiful at these stops and charge around ₹50–70 for the short ride. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber operate in this area, though wait times can be longer in the evenings or early mornings. The airport itself is not well signposted, so it is advisable to use a navigation app. From the nearest railway station – Behala Chowrasta on the Kolkata Circular Railway line – it is a short autorickshaw ride (around 3 km). For those driving, limited parking is available near the terminal building; parking is free but spaces are few. The approach road off Diamond Harbour Road is narrow and can be congested during peak hours. There is no dedicated public transport drop-off point; negotiate with your driver to go directly to the entrance. For early-morning or late-night arrivals, it is best to arrange a private car in advance, as public transport options dwindle after 9 pm.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Behala Airport is a small, single-storey building with basic facilities. Given its role as a general aviation and training airport, the passenger experience is minimal. The main hall houses a check-in counter, a small waiting area with plastic chairs, and a notice board displaying flying club schedules and safety information. Wheelchair-accessible entrance and toilet are confirmed, as is a wheelchair-accessible car park. On-site services include a basic canteen serving tea, biscuits, and simple snacks, as well as clean restrooms. Security is light – typical for non-commercial airports – with a guard at the entrance and an X-ray machine for baggage checks when charter flights are operating. There is no baggage carousel, airline lounges, or duty-free shops. The atmosphere is quiet and functional; staff are accustomed to serving pilots and flying club members rather than holidaymakers. If you are arriving by private charter, you will likely be met by the operator at the gate. Departing passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before flight time. The terminal may not be open every day; the data indicates the airport is not open all days. It is best to confirm operating hours with the flying club or airport authority before visiting. The building is clean but unspectacular – concrete floors, fluorescent lighting, and a few ceiling fans. In the rare event of a delay, there is no air conditioning, so carry a bottle of water.

Behala Airport and Maheshtala

Maheshtala is a bustling municipality within the Kolkata metropolitan area, known for its dense population, small-scale industries, and cultural diversity. The area is historically part of the Sundarbans delta region, though urbanization has transformed it into a suburb of the city. For a traveller, Maheshtala offers a glimpse into the dynamic, crowded life of Kolkata's periphery. The airport itself is a relic of an earlier era of aviation – before Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Dum Dum became the sole commercial hub for the region. The presence of the Behala Flying Club gives the area a unique character; on weekends, small planes circle overhead, a sound unusual for this otherwise congested part of the city.

To understand Maheshtala, one must consider its position. It sits along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, not far from the historic port of Kolkata. The neighbourhoods here are a mix of old zamindari estates and modern apartment blocks. The Maheshtala area includes the famous shrine of Dakshineswar Kali Temple (though technically in Dakshineswar, further north), but more locally, the Sarsuna and Barisha localities have temples and markets worth exploring. Food stalls along Diamond Harbour Road serve Kolkata-style street food: phuchka, jhalmuri, and egg rolls. For those interested in history, the nearby village of Chhota Jagulia retains some traditional mud-and-thatch architecture.

Why might one fly into Behala? It is not for tourist travel. The airport serves flight training, private charters, and occasional air taxi services. It could be used by business travellers visiting the industrial areas of Maheshtala or nearby Budge Budge – a major port and industrial zone. The airport also supports emergency services and medical evacuations. For a visitor, the real value of knowing Behala Airport lies in understanding the broader transport network of the region: it is one of several small airstrips around Kolkata that complement the main international airport. The flying club itself has a storied history, having trained pilots who later flew for the Indian Air Force and commercial airlines. During the Indo-Pakistani wars, the airstrip was used for emergency military operations. Today, it remains a quiet hub for aviation enthusiasts and a vital link for those who need to avoid Kolkata's traffic-choked roads.

Practical Information

• Hours: Behala Airport is not open every day. The busiest times are reported as 10 pm on Mondays through Thursdays, suggesting it may have limited evening operations. However, official hours are not publicly listed. It is best to call ahead or check with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Contact: Airports Authority of India (AAI) website: http://www.aai.aero/; phone: +91 11 2463 2950 (AAI central office). For local enquiries, contacting the Behala Flying Club directly is more reliable – ask at the terminal for the club's phone number.
• Facilities: Wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, and toilet are available. Basic on-site services include a canteen and restrooms. There is no ATM, so carry cash for snacks or transport.
• Tips: Confirm your flight operator's instructions. Do not rely on public transport to the airport after dark – taxis are scarce and autorickshaws stop running by about 10 pm. The area around the airport is residential; there is no hotel within walking distance. If you have time, explore the local markets on Diamond Harbour Road or visit the Hooghly River ghats nearby. For emergencies, the nearest hospital is Maheshtala Sub-Divisional Hospital, about 2 km away.
• Final advice: If you are flying into Behala, coordinate tightly with your pilot or charter company regarding timing and ground transport, as the airport's limited hours and lack of commercial services mean you cannot treat it like a mainstream airport. Pre-arrange a taxi to pick you up at the entrance – otherwise, you may find yourself stranded in a busy but unfamiliar suburb.