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Guwahati Terminal Expansion Sparks Emotional Travel Pride

Guwahati Terminal Expansion Strengthens Assam Connectivity, Lifts Capacity to 13.1 Million

The new terminal becomes operational in record time following a phased transition and system validation. The nation’s 10th-busiest airport’s capacity rises to 13.1 million passengers annually, with 21 domestic and 3 international routes. The indigenous design integrates Assam’s kopou phool, bholuka and Arunachal Pradesh’s Apatani bamboo traditions.

The new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport (LGBIA) began commercial operations this evening, raising annual passenger capacity to 13.1 million and reinforcing Guwahati’s position as the principal aviation gateway to India’s strategic North-Eastern region to South and Southeast Asia.

The transition followed a phased, operations-led activation, with live trials conducted across check-in, baggage handling, security and aircraft turnaround before full deployment. Such trials are very important because airports are complex systems. Even a small delay in baggage belts or security checks can affect hundreds of passengers. Many large airports in India, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, also followed similar trial phases before opening new terminals. These tests help staff learn the systems and ensure safe and smooth travel from day one.

The terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025. In recent years, the Government of India has made airport development a top priority. Under its national airport expansion plan, many new airports and terminals have been built to support rising air travel. India is now one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. More people are choosing flights because they save time and are becoming more affordable.

The commencement of operations was attended by Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and Mr Jeet Adani, Director, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator. The event was marked by the issuance of a ceremonial boarding pass to the first departing passenger and the arrival of an Akasa Air flight from Mumbai at the new facility. Akasa Air, which started operations in 2022, has quickly expanded its network and now connects many major cities. New airlines like Akasa are helping increase competition, which often leads to better services and more choices for travellers.

A traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and cultural performances were held in the arrivals forecourt, with participation from artisan communities, tea garden workers, frontline staff and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, underscoring the region’s cultural identity alongside infrastructure expansion. Assam’s tea gardens are famous worldwide and employ lakhs of workers. By including tea garden workers and artisans, the event showed how aviation growth is linked to the people and economy of the region.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, said, “I express my gratitude, and we are thankful to Mr Gautam Adani for keeping his commitment of investing Rs 50,000 crore made during Advantage Assam 2.0 last year. I believe that with the operationalisation of this new Terminal, Assam’s tourism will get a boost. It will be a game-changer for Assam. The culture of Assam has been respected during the construction of this new airport terminal, and as Assamese, we are proud of it.” Tourism in Assam has been growing steadily, especially with visitors coming to see Kaziranga National Park, which is home to the famous one-horned rhinoceros. Better airport facilities make it easier for tourists from India and abroad to visit such places.

Mr Jeet Adani said the expansion reflects the region’s evolving demand and long-term growth trajectory. “Today is more than a commercial milestone. It is a proud moment for the people of Assam and the North-East. This achievement belongs to the countless hands and hearts that turned vision into reality. It resonates with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision for future-ready infrastructure and with the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma’s mission to position Assam as the economic engine of the North-East.” Improved airports often attract businesses, investors and industries because they improve connectivity and reduce travel time.

Guwahati has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing non-metro airports, recording consistent traffic expansion over the past decade. This growth reflects a wider national trend. Before the pandemic, India handled more than 340 million passengers yearly, and the numbers are rising again. Guwahati plays a key role because the North-East region depends heavily on air travel due to difficult terrain and long road journeys.

With throughput crossing nine million passengers in recent years, the airport ranks among the country’s top 10 to 12 busiest airports by passenger volume. The expanded 13.1 million capacity provides headroom for route additions, higher aircraft frequencies and international network growth. This means more flights can operate without overcrowding, which improves passenger comfort and reduces delays.

The airport connects 21 domestic destinations and three international routes, including Bangkok, Paro and Singapore and currently handles more than 130 aircraft traffic movements (ATMs) daily. These international links are very important. Singapore and Bangkok are major global hubs, and Paro is Bhutan’s only international airport. These routes help tourism, trade and cultural exchange between countries.

The additional capacity is expected to strengthen Guwahati’s role as a regional hub linking the North-East with mainland India and Southeast Asia. Experts believe Guwahati could become the main aviation centre of the North-East, just like Delhi and Mumbai serve their regions.

System validation exercises covered airline coordination, ground handling, emergency protocols and digital integration. Digi Yatra-enabled processing, integrated wayfinding and centralised communication systems are operational. Digi Yatra is a modern system that allows passengers to use facial recognition for entry and boarding. This reduces waiting time and makes the journey faster and smoother.

Retail and food services are being introduced in stages. Modern airports today are not just travel points. They are also shopping and dining spaces that offer comfort and convenience to passengers.

Designed by internationally acclaimed Indian architect Mr Nuru Karim, the terminal draws inspiration from Assam’s kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and incorporates more than 140 metric tonnes (MT) of bamboo. Bamboo is widely used in the North-East because it is strong, flexible and eco-friendly. Using bamboo also supports local craftsmen and promotes traditional skills.

Architectural references to Assam’s bholuka bamboo craftsmanship and the bamboo-based structural traditions associated with the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh reflect the wider cultural fabric of the North-East. The Apatani people are known for their unique bamboo houses and sustainable way of living.

A vaulted roofline enhances spatial continuity and natural light distribution, while an amphitheatre-style arrivals forecourt introduces travellers to regional art and performance traditions. This helps visitors experience local culture the moment they arrive.

The design received the International Architecture Award 2025 for integrating regional identity with contemporary infrastructure. Such global recognition places Guwahati on the world map of modern airport design.

AAHL operates the airport through its subsidiary Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL). AAHL also manages airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru. Private operators have played a major role in improving Indian airports by investing in better technology, passenger services and infrastructure.

With this new terminal, Guwahati is not just expanding its airport. It is strengthening Assam’s future, improving connectivity, supporting tourism, and bringing the North-East closer to the rest of the world.