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Authorities have temporarily suspended prayers at a 136-year-old mosque located near Kolkata’s international airport, citing aviation safety concerns, a move that has sparked concern among local worshippers.
Access to the mosque—commonly known as the Bankra Airport Mosque—was restricted on Saturday after the main entry gate through Airport Gate No. 8 was closed. Worshippers had been able to offer prayers there as recently on Friday.
Mosque committee General Secretary Mohammad Zamiruddin said no prior notice was given before the closure. However, discussions over relocating the mosque have been ongoing for some time, with authorities previously indicating that an alternative, more spacious site could be provided.
In a recent statement, airport authorities said the mosque lies within a restricted safety zone and does not meet international aviation standards, which require a minimum distance of 240 metres between runway operations and nearby structures.
The mosque is located only 165 metres from the runway, necessitating relocation on safety grounds.
The area falls under the supervision of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for securing critical infrastructure in India and has previously raised concerns about the structure’s proximity to the runway.
The mosque, originally established in 1890—decades before the airport was built in 1924—holds historical and regional significance.
Formerly known as Gauripur Jame Mosque, it has long served worshippers from surrounding areas, including parts of present-day West Bengal and regions that now lie within Bangladesh.
Community leaders have urged calm in response to the development. Siddiqullah Chowdhury, a senior leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind in West Bengal, described the situation as unfortunate but called for restraint.
“We do not want confrontation. We hope the authorities will ensure arrangements for prayers and resolve the matter through dialogue,” he said.
Religious organisations, including Darul Uloom Deoband and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, have been urged to engage in discussions to find a peaceful resolution.
While no permanent decision has been announced, the development marks a rare instance of prayer suspension at a functioning mosque in the region, with authorities maintaining that safety considerations remain the primary concern.