The Bankra Mosque, located within Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, has resurfaced in a decades-old debate over security concerns and airport expansion.

The Bankra Mosque, also known as Gouripur Jame Masjid, was built around 136 years ago before Dum Dum Airport developed. The airport expanded over decades, enclosing the mosque within its operational zone close to the secondary runway.

Devotees traditionally entered through a controlled airport gate after identity verification. On July 12, airport authorities suspended access citing heavy rain damage to the approach road. After repairs, the Airports Authority of India announced indefinite suspension, with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security raising concerns over unrestricted civilian access to a high-security zone. Officials stated Aadhaar verification alone no longer meets current security requirements.

Aviation authorities argue the mosque's location creates operational challenges. Relocation would: improve airport security by eliminating civilian movement in operational areas; facilitate secondary runway expansion; enable advanced Instrument Landing System equipment installation; and support future airport expansion.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the decision, citing national security priority given Kolkata airport's critical location near China and Bangladesh borders. The Trinamool Congress objected, questioning why prayers should be stopped at a decades-old structure. Mosque committee members maintain worshippers have followed security protocols peacefully for years.

No demolition order has been issued. The immediate issue is whether devotees will be allowed to pray inside; longer-term controversy will centre on balancing aviation safety, airport expansion, and preservation of the century-old religious structure.

The 136-year-old Bankra Mosque, also known as Gouripur Jama Masjid, located on Kolkata airport premises, is being shut and relocated to enable runway expansion at the airport. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari commented on the matter.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari endorsed suspending prayers and blocking entry to the 136-year-old Bankra Mosque located approximately 165 metres from Kolkata airport's runway, stating national security and airport safety take priority. Airport authorities have maintained the mosque's location presents operational challenges and prevents full second runway upgrading. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar and BJP MLA Sourav Sikdar supported relocation, noting the mosque sits in Level 3, the airport's highest-security area. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya called the move part of airport security and expansion plans. State Minister Dilip Ghosh said the mosque had been deliberately allowed to remain within the runway area and obstructed infrastructure development. The Bankra Mosque predates the airport and has remained within its operational area as aviation infrastructure expanded over decades. The mosque committee opposed the suspension, stating no justification existed for the entry ban and expressing openness to amicable solutions.

Kolkata government plans expansion of the runway at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. A 136-year-old mosque at the airport has had entry stopped amid relocation discussions related to the expansion.