The new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) commenced commercial operations on Saturday, increasing the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 13.1 million.
The terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025. The operational transition followed phased trials covering check-in, baggage handling, security clearance and aircraft turnaround procedures before full-scale deployment.
The commencement ceremony was attended by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). The event included 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 terminal.
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 personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Speaking at the event, Sarma said the operationalisation of the new terminal would boost Assam’s tourism sector and serve as a major infrastructure milestone for the state. He also acknowledged investment commitments made during Advantage Assam 2.0.
Jeet Adani said the expansion reflects growing passenger demand and long-term regional growth. He described the development as a significant step in strengthening Assam’s role in the North-East’s economic landscape.
Guwahati has recorded steady passenger growth over the past decade and currently ranks among India’s busiest non-metro airports. With throughput crossing nine million passengers in recent years, the enhanced 13.1 million annual capacity is expected to accommodate route expansion and increased flight frequencies.
The airport connects 21 domestic destinations and three international destinations — Bangkok, Paro and Singapore — and handles over 130 aircraft movements daily.
Digital systems including Digi Yatra-enabled processing, integrated wayfinding and centralised communication systems are operational. Retail and food services are being introduced in phases.
Designed by architect Nuru Karim, the terminal draws inspiration from Assam’s kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and incorporates more than 140 metric tonnes of bamboo. Architectural elements reflect regional bamboo craftsmanship and cultural motifs from the North-East.
The design received the International Architecture Award 2025.
The airport is operated by Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL), a subsidiary of AAHL.
