The new terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) started commercial operations on Sunday evening, marking a significant expansion of aviation capacity in India's North-East. With the launch, the airport's annual passenger handling capability rises to 13.1 million.
The operational rollout followed a phased, systems-led activation process, including live trials of check-in, baggage management, security protocols and aircraft turnaround. The terminal was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Dec 20, 2025.
The commencement of services was attended by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL). The event featured the ceremonial handover of the first boarding pass at the new facility, followed by the arrival of an Akasa Air flight from Mumbai. Traditional lamp-lighting rituals and cultural performances, featuring local artisans, tea garden workers, frontline staff and CISF personnel, were held at the arrivals forecourt.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed appreciation for the investment and cultural integration reflected in the project. "I express my gratitude and we are thankful to Gautam Adani for keeping his commitment of investing Rs 50,000 crore made during Advantage Assam 2.0 last year. With the operationalisation of this new terminal, Assam's tourism will get a boost. It will be a gamechanger for Assam. The culture of Assam has been respected in the construction of this terminal, and as Assamese, we are proud of it," he said.
Jeet Adani said the expansion aligned with the region's long-term growth. "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,” he said, adding that the development echoes the national vision for future-ready infrastructure.
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Traffic Growth and Strategic Positioning
Guwahati has recorded sustained growth over the past decade and is among the fastest‑expanding non-metro airports in India. Passenger traffic has crossed nine million in recent years, placing it among the country's top 10–12 busiest airports.
LGBIA currently connects 21 domestic destinations and three international cities—Bangkok, Paro and Singapore.
The airport handles more than 130 aircraft movements daily, with the expanded infrastructure expected to support new routes, higher flight frequencies and deeper integration with Southeast Asian aviation corridors.
Ahead of the launch, the airport conducted comprehensive system validation exercises involving airline coordination, ground handling procedures, emergency response drills and digital integrations. Digi Yatra-enabled processing, improved wayfinding systems and centralised communication platforms are already functional, while retail and F&B outlets will open in phases.
Architecture Inspired by North-East's Cultural Fabric
Designed by noted Indian architect Nuru Karim, the new terminal draws aesthetic inspiration from Assam's iconic kopou phool (foxtail orchid). The structure incorporates more than 140 metric tonnes of bamboo, referencing the region's traditional bholuka bamboo craftsmanship and the bamboo‑based architectural traditions of Arunachal Pradesh's Apatani tribe.
A distinctive vaulted roof allows for natural light dispersion, while an amphitheatre-style arrivals forecourt highlights regional art and performance practices. The terminal design received the International Architecture Award 2025 for successfully blending cultural identity with contemporary infrastructure.
The airport is operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd through its subsidiary Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL). AAHL also manages airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Mangaluru.
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