West Bengal is set to get four new airports within the next two years as the Centre and state government move ahead with a new regional air connectivity plan under UDAN.
The four airports are planned at Chharra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in South Dinajpur and Hasimara in Alipurduar, under an agreement signed between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government. The Centre has also allocated Rs 29,000 crore for UDAN projects in the state over the next 10 years.
The new airports will improve air connectivity in parts of the state that currently have limited access to commercial flights. As these locations become easier to reach, the projects could also support new housing, commercial and hospitality development around the airports. Purulia, Paschim Medinipur and Alipurduar could see greater property interest as the projects progress and connectivity improves.
New airports set to improve regional air connectivity
The four airports will come up in different parts of West Bengal, with each project aimed at improving air connectivity in its surrounding region. The proposed airport in Chharra, Purulia, will serve the district and nearby areas. The location can also improve access to industrial areas and tourist destinations such as Ayodhya Hills.
At Kalaikunda, the existing 2,700-meter runway will support civil aviation operations. The airport is expected to improve connectivity to Paschim Medinipur and nearby industrial centers, including Kharagpur.
Balurghat already has an airstrip and land owned by the Airports Authority of India. The plan is to expand the existing infrastructure to support commercial flight operations. At Hasimara, the existing 2,700-meter runway will be developed as a civil enclave, improving access to Alipurduar, the Dooars and other parts of North Bengal.
Purulia, Paschim Medinipur and Alipurduar in focus as airport plans advance
Better air connectivity can make smaller cities more attractive for residential and commercial development. It can also make it easier for businesses to operate in areas outside major urban centers. The impact could be seen in Purulia, Paschim Medinipur and Alipurduar, where property markets are smaller than those in Kolkata and other major cities in West Bengal.
Purulia could see interest from both tourism and industry. The Chharra airport is expected to improve access to Ayodhya Hills and other tourist locations. The district also has industrial activity, which could create demand for housing, rental properties, hotels and commercial spaces as connectivity improves.
Property rates in Purulia are currently much lower than those in Kolkata. The average property price in the city is around Rs 3,217 per sq ft. This offers a lower entry point than established markets, although the airport alone may not drive a price increase.
Paschim Medinipur could see a different impact. The Kalaikunda airport can improve access to Kharagpur and nearby industrial areas. Better air links may support demand for residential properties, offices, hotels and other commercial spaces. The average property price in West Medinipur is around Rs 4,039 psf. With the proposed airport, locations closer to Kharagpur and other employment centers could remain in focus.
Hasimara to support tourism and hospitality growth
The Hasimara airport is expected to have a wider impact on the property market in Alipurduar and the Dooars. The region is known for its forests, wildlife destinations and tourism activity. Better air access could make the area easier for visitors from other parts of the country to reach.
This could create demand for hotels, resorts, homestays and other hospitality properties. It could also support residential demand if the airport brings more business activity and jobs to the region.
Alipurduar currently has an average property price of around Rs 3,800 psf. The market is smaller than the state’s major property markets, so the airport’s impact will likely become clearer as flight services and other infrastructure develop.
Kalyani airport to further improve local connectivity
The four UDAN airports are not the only aviation projects being planned in West Bengal. The state has also started identifying land for a proposed greenfield airport in Kalyani. The airport is expected to reduce pressure on Kolkata Airport and improve connectivity in South Bengal.
Kalyani already has an established residential and industrial base. According to Square Yards, the average asking price in Kalyani stood at around Rs 4,600 psf in September 2026, up 4% from the previous quarter.
The proposed airport could add another connectivity advantage to the market. However, the project is still at the planning and land-identification stage, so its effect on property prices will depend on how quickly the airport moves towards construction and operations.
Airport development to support nearby property markets
Once the airports are operational, they can attract more businesses, tourists and investment to nearby areas. This can increase demand for housing, commercial spaces, hotels and land, which can push property prices higher over time.
For instance, the property market in Jewar has recorded strong price growth alongside the development of Noida International Airport and other infrastructure projects. Property prices across the YEIDA region have risen sharply, with the average property price increasing from around Rs 3,200 psf in 2020 to Rs 9,600 per sq ft in 2025, a rise of nearly 200%.
Ayodhya has seen a similar rise in property prices following airport development and the city’s wider tourism push. Property prices in major areas have increased as demand for residential, commercial and hospitality projects has grown.
Impact could vary across key property markets
The four proposed airports could improve access to smaller property markets across West Bengal, but the impact will not be the same everywhere. Areas close to airports, major roads, industrial centers and tourism destinations are likely to attract more attention than locations without direct connectivity.
The airport projects will therefore be important infrastructure developments for nearby markets such as Purulia, Paschim Medinipur and Alipurduar. However, the effect on property prices will depend on regular flight operations, road connectivity, commercial activity and the pace of development around each airport.
