Flights to Kolkata

Changing planes in the Gulf or in India

Fly Emirates, Qatar Airways or Etihad Airways and you next see your luggage in Kolkata, where Indian immigration takes place. Air India passengers enter India at Delhi or Mumbai, clearing passport control and customs there before re-checking bags for the domestic leg. Buy both flights as one booking, since on separate self-transfer tickets you're on your own if a late arrival costs you the onward flight. Singapore Airlines and China Eastern routes fly further east first, adding hours.

Connecting flights to Kolkata by UK airport

For London to Kolkata flights, Heathrow (LHR) has all three Gulf airlines and Air India, Gatwick has Emirates and Qatar Airways, and Stansted has Emirates. Manchester has all three Gulf airlines. Birmingham offers Emirates, Qatar Airways and Air India, Edinburgh has Emirates and Qatar Airways, and Emirates also serves Newcastle and Glasgow. Other UK airports usually mean a second stop.

Arrival forms and the ride into Kolkata

India's e-arrival card opens three days before landing, and the Air Suvidha self-declaration, currently compulsory, is due in the final 24 hours. Flights use the single terminal at Dum Dum, about 16 km north-east of the centre. From Jai Hind station, the Yellow Line metro meets the Blue Line at Noapara for Esplanade, Park Street and Kalighat, and prepaid taxis, Uber and Ola wait outside.

Durga Puja, the seasons and city sights

November to February is cooler and drier. April and May turn hot and sticky, with late-afternoon storms Bengalis call kal baisakhi, before monsoon rain from June to September. Durga Puja, UNESCO-listed since 2021, falls in September or October, and seats for it, Christmas and British school holidays go fast. Leave a day for the Victoria Memorial, the flower market beside Howrah Bridge and College Street's bookshops. Darjeeling, via Bagdogra (IXB), and the Sundarbans mangrove forest make good add-ons.

Tell us your travel dates and nearest airport on 020 7871 4545. We'll compare return, one-way and last-minute fares in economy, premium economy or business class, then book your choice.