Kolkata Airport Mosque Closed Indefinitely Over Security Concerns

Access to the 136-year-old mosque located within the Kolkata Airport premises has been suspended indefinitely due to urgent safety and security protocols. Authorities implemented the move to ensure strict adherence to airfield safety standards, as the site sits in close proximity to active runway zones. The decision follows growing concerns regarding unauthorized movement and potential hazards to aviation infrastructure at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

The closure follows intense scrutiny by civil aviation security agencies regarding the vulnerability of sensitive areas near the runway. Political figures, including the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, have actively flagged the site for potential security breaches, arguing that the presence of such structures within a restricted area creates significant operational risks. Authorities have been under pressure to balance long-standing religious practices with mandatory Bureau of Civil Aviation Security guidelines that prohibit civilian activity in critical airport zones.

The shutdown is set to remain in effect while security audits of the airport periphery continue. Commuters and local observers note that the suspension marks a shift in enforcement regarding illegal or sensitive structures on government-controlled land near high-security transit hubs. Airport management and local law enforcement are now managing the transition, with security personnel stationed at the entry points to prevent public access. Future updates are expected as federal aviation regulators complete their assessment of the facility's overall perimeter security measures.