Kolkata Flights from Sonari Airport Face Frequent Disruptions, Passengers Bear the Brunt

Jamshedpur

Flight services from Sonari Airport to Kolkata have become highly irregular, causing significant inconvenience to passengers, particularly business travelers dependent on timely connectivity. With bookings frequently suspended and flights operating only on select dates, uncertainty has gripped regular flyers, while the lack of clear communication from IndiaOne Air has further fueled resentment.

In contrast, services to Bhubaneswar continue to operate relatively smoothly, highlighting the stark disparity between the two routes. At present, ticket bookings for Kolkata remain suspended, while Bhubaneswar bookings are open.

According to available information, Kolkata bookings are expected to resume from April 23; however, flights will not operate daily. Currently, bookings are open only for April 23, 25, and 27 for the nine-seater aircraft, with no availability on intervening days. Similar sporadic booking patterns are being seen for May, further complicating travel plans for passengers relying on connecting flights.

The fare for the Jamshedpur–Bhubaneswar route has been fixed at ₹4,114 (excluding taxes), while the Kolkata route is priced at ₹2,999. Despite the relatively lower fare, passengers say the unreliability of the Kolkata service has rendered it ineffective for regular travel needs.

The situation has worsened due to delays in railway services, leaving passengers with limited and unreliable alternatives. Travelers say that both rail and air connectivity issues have left them feeling stranded.

RCS Extension Brings Temporary Continuity

In a related development, the Central Government has extended the Jamshedpur–Kolkata air service under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). The Airports Authority of India has informed the airline operator about the extension.

The route has received an 87-day extension, allowing operations to continue until May 18, while the Kolkata–Cooch Behar route has been granted a 108-day extension. However, officials clarified that the support will be withdrawn if another airline begins operations on these routes.

Sandeep Jha, General Manager at AAI, stated that the airline must work towards making operations financially sustainable within this period. Tata Steel continues to provide logistical support for flight operations from Sonari Airport.

Business Community Voices Concern

An official of the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce, said the irregular Kolkata flights are severely affecting business professionals who depend on connecting flights. He urged authorities to intervene and ensure consistent air services.

Airline Cites Operational Issues

Prem Garg, Managing Director of IndiaOne Air, said: “Bhubaneswar flights are operating regularly, Kolkata services have faced disruptions due to operational challenges and the ongoing Assembly elections. Issues related to aircraft availability had impacted schedules temporarily but efforts are underway to stabilize operations”.