Balurghat Airport (IATA: RGH, ICAO: VEBG) is located 6 km (4 mi) from Balurghat and 34 km (21 mi) away from Gangarampur, a city in West Bengal, India. The airport is currently not in operation.

History

During the World War II, a temporary airport was built by the British in Balurghat for military needs. In the 1950s, the Surekha Air Service started flying from there until it was stopped during the India-Pakistan war. Finally, in 1984, Vayudoot operated out of the airport. But these flights stopped due to lack of navigation systems, lack of passengers, and financial losses.

Facilities

The airport covers an area of 132.66 acres (53.69 ha) at an elevation of 78 feet (24 m) above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 9/27 with a paved surface measuring 4,906 by 100 feet (1,495 m × 30 m).

Extension

The Government of West Bengal had planned to launch air services from the Balurghat Airport in March 2018. The government had allocated around ₹11.35 crores for the up-gradation & extension of the air-strip, passenger lounge, air traffic, restroom of crews and pilots, need-based restaurants, refreshment counters. Airport Authority of India had visited the airport for approvals.

See also

• List of airports by ICAO code: V#VA VE VI VO - India
• List of airports in India