Dhaka, March 7 -- Authorities at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata are planning a dedicated operational zone for helicopters and chartered flights to manage a sharp rise in non-scheduled flight movements ahead of upcoming assembly elections in the Indian state of West Bengal.

Airport officials said the facility has become a major hub for political leaders traveling to campaign rallies, with chartered and helicopter movements increasing three to four times compared to normal periods.

The surge is linked to frequent visits by senior political leaders, including the country's prime minister, Narendra Modi, and union home minister, Amit Shah, who have already traveled to the poll-bound state multiple times since Ja...