Flights from India to India
Madras to Kolkata
Chennai International Airport (MAA) → Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
- Distance
- 1,300 km
- Typical duration
- 2h 20m
- Airlines
- 3 carriers
- From
- Asia/Calcutta
Flying between Chennai International Airport and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is a busy domestic link connecting two major eastern and southern metros. Travelers can usually find multiple daily nonstop options on IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air on some schedules, with fares often starting around ₹3,000–₹7,500 when booked early.
The route covers roughly 1,300 km and is typically flown in about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes nonstop, making it one of the more convenient ways to travel between Madras and Kolkata. Availability and pricing can change quickly around weekends, holidays, and business travel peaks.
Brief history of this route
Route development
The Madras–Kolkata air corridor grew with the expansion of India’s domestic network after liberalization, when both cities became important business, education, and government centers. Chennai’s role as a major southern gateway and Kolkata’s position as the key hub for eastern India created steady demand for direct air travel. Over time, airlines added more frequencies as corporate traffic, family travel, and connecting itineraries increased.
The route became especially relevant as travelers moved away from long train journeys and toward faster same-day air links. Improvements in airport infrastructure at both ends also helped support more reliable schedules and larger aircraft on peak days.
Airlines operating today
Today, the route is served mainly by IndiGo, Air India, and on selected schedules Akasa Air. IndiGo typically offers the most frequent nonstop options, while Air India provides a full-service alternative with network connections onward from both cities. Seasonal capacity changes, holiday demand, and aircraft rotation can affect the number of daily departures. For travelers, this means the route usually offers a good mix of timings, with early morning, daytime, and evening options depending on the day.
About the airports
Frequently asked questions
- How can I find cheap flights from Madras to Kolkata? +
- To find cheap flights from Madras to Kolkata, compare dates across a few days, book early, and check multiple airlines such as **IndiGo** and **Air India**. Midweek departures and off-peak hours often have lower fares, especially on this high-demand domestic route.
- What is the cheapest flight from Madras to Kolkata usually like? +
- The cheapest flight from Madras to Kolkata is usually a nonstop economy fare booked in advance, often on **IndiGo** or another low-fare schedule. Prices are commonly lowest when demand is light and baggage needs are minimal.
- Which airlines fly nonstop between Chennai and Kolkata? +
- Nonstop service on this route is commonly operated by **IndiGo** and **Air India**, with additional options appearing depending on the season and schedule changes. Some dates may also show **Akasa Air** or other carriers.
- How long is a direct flight from Madras to Kolkata? +
- A direct flight from Madras to Kolkata usually takes about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on wind, routing, and air traffic conditions.
- What is the distance between Chennai and Kolkata by air? +
- The air distance is roughly 1,300 km, making it a medium-haul domestic route within India.
- When is the best time to book this route? +
- For better fares, book several weeks ahead if your dates are fixed. Prices often rise closer to departure, especially before festivals, long weekends, and business-heavy travel periods.
- Are there morning and evening flights on this route? +
- Yes, this route usually offers a mix of morning, afternoon, and evening departures, though the exact timetable varies by airline and travel date.
Other flights from Madras
Popular onward connections from MAA.