Can A Mosque Exist Inside An Airport? Why Kolkata's 136-Year-Old Shrine Is In The Spotlight

Last Updated:July 14, 2026, 09:48 IST

For years, Airports Authority of India & aviation planners have argued that the mosque’s location creates operational challenges as it lies close to the airport’s secondary runway

A 136-year-old mosque located inside the operational area of Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has triggered a political and legal debate after airport authorities indefinitely stopped public entry, citing security concerns flagged by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).

The move has reignited a years-old discussion over whether the historic Bankra Mosque, also known as the Gouripur Jame Masjid, should be relocated to facilitate airport expansion and improve runway safety. While the BJP-backed state government has defended the restrictions in the name of national security, the Trinamool Congress and mosque representatives have questioned the decision.

Here’s what the controversy is about.

Why Is The Mosque Inside Kolkata Airport?

The Bankra Mosque predates the airport itself.

ALSO READ | Bid To Relocate 136-Year-Old Mosque From Kolkata Airport May Finally Take Off After Bengal Power Shift

According to airport authorities, the mosque was built around 136 years ago, long before Dum Dum Airport was developed. When the airport expanded over the decades, the mosque became enclosed within the airport’s operational zone, close to the secondary runway.

Unlike most religious structures, devotees have traditionally entered the mosque through a controlled airport gate after showing identity proof, primarily Aadhaar cards, to security personnel.

What Has Changed Now?

On July 12, airport authorities initially suspended access to the mosque for two days, saying heavy rain had damaged the approach road.

However, after the repair work was completed, authorities announced that entry would remain suspended indefinitely because the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security had raised concerns over unrestricted civilian access into a high-security airport zone.

Officials said allowing people into an operational airport area based only on Aadhaar verification no longer met current security requirements.

Why Do Aviation Authorities Want The Mosque Shifted?

The issue is not new. For several years, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and aviation planners have argued that the mosque’s location creates operational challenges because it lies close to the airport’s secondary runway.

According to The Indian Express, relocating the structure would help improve airport security by eliminating civilian movement inside operational areas, facilitate expansion of the secondary runway, enable installation of advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) equipment to improve aircraft operations, particularly during poor visibility; and support future expansion of Kolkata airport.

The proposal to relocate the mosque has been under discussion for years, with the state government and airport authorities periodically holding talks with mosque representatives.

Why Has It Become A Political Issue?

The latest restrictions have sparked a political confrontation in West Bengal.

Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the airport’s decision, saying national security must take precedence over everything else and that unrestricted access to a sensitive airport installation cannot continue.

“National security and security of the airport will gain priority over everything else. As a chief minister, I will not comment further. The location of Kolkata International airport is critical since both China and Bangladesh are close by. It cannot keep its gates open for outsiders," Adhikari said on Sunday.

He added: “We have not stopped anyone from practising their religion, unlike what they (the opposition) said about us. Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) was observed adhering to animal slaughter laws, Muharram was observed without brandishing weapons, and there was no problem. Obey the law and act as good citizens. Observe your religions as a personal matter, without trying to influence others. Then everything will run smoothly."

The Trinamool Congress, however, has objected to the move. Senior party leaders have questioned why prayers should be stopped at a mosque that has existed for decades and have sought a solution that protects both security and religious rights.

TMC MP Sougata Roy denied the move had anything to do with passenger safety. “No, it’s not for passenger safety. Others didn’t touch it because it is linked to people’s religious faith. That area falls under my constituency. I have always been against removing it like this."

Mosque committee members have also maintained that worshippers have peacefully followed the prescribed security protocol for years and should not be denied access.

Is The Mosque Being Demolished?

No. As of now, authorities have only suspended public access to the mosque. There has been no official demolition order.

However, discussions over relocating the mosque have gathered fresh momentum because of airport expansion plans and the security concerns raised by BCAS.

Whether the mosque is ultimately relocated will depend on consultations among airport authorities, the state government and mosque representatives.

What Happens Next?

The immediate issue is whether devotees will again be allowed to offer prayers inside the mosque.

In the longer term, the controversy is expected to centre on balancing three competing concerns—aviation safety and airport security; infrastructure expansion at one of eastern India’s busiest airports; and preservation of a century-old religious structure that predates the airport itself.

About the Author

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll...Read More

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