The Beluga XL made a notable return to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
The Beluga XL, the world’s largest cargo aircraft, made another landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport on Monday morning, officials confirmed. The aircraft, arriving from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China, touched down at 5:47 AM for crew rest, Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), and refuelling, according to a spokesperson from the Airports Authority of India (AAI). It is scheduled to depart for Bahrain International Airport at 3:30 PM on Tuesday.
This landing marked the second appearance of the Beluga XL in Kolkata, following its initial arrival on October 8, 2024. The plane was expected to return on October 13 but was delayed by 24 hours. Kolkata is the only airport in Eastern India equipped to accommodate the Beluga XL, which is the largest model in Airbus’ Beluga series, used for transporting oversized aircraft components.
With an overall length of 207 feet, a height of 62 feet, and a wingspan of 197 feet and 10 inches, the Beluga XL is an upgraded and larger version of the Beluga ST. Its return has been a significant event for aviation enthusiasts in Kolkata, showcasing the airport’s capabilities in handling such a massive aircraft.
