New terminal opens at Guwahati boosting capacity to 13.1 million passengers

Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport (GAU) has begun commercial operations at its new integrated terminal, raising annual passenger handling capacity to 13.1 million and reinforcing Guwahati’s role as the principal aviation gateway to India’s North-Eastern region.

The activation followed a phased, operations-led transition, including live trials across check-in, baggage handling, security screening and aircraft turnaround processes prior to full deployment. The terminal was inaugurated on 20 December 2025 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The commencement event was attended by Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd. Proceedings included the issuance of a ceremonial boarding pass to the first departing passenger and the arrival of an Akasa Air service from Mumbai. A lamp-lighting ceremony and cultural performances were staged in the arrivals forecourt, with participation from artisan communities, tea garden workers, frontline airport staff and Central Industrial Security Force personnel.

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 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 during the construction of this new airport terminal, and as Assamese, we are proud of it.”

Jeet Adani said, “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.”

Guwahati is among India’s fastest-growing non-metro airports, handling more than nine million passengers in recent years and ranking within the country’s 10 to 12 busiest airports by throughput. The expanded capacity provides headroom for additional routes, higher frequencies and international network growth. The airport currently connects 21 domestic and three international destinations including Bangkok, Paro and Singapore, handling over 130 aircraft traffic movements daily.

System validation covered airline coordination, ground handling, emergency procedures and digital integration. Digi Yatra processing, integrated wayfinding and centralised communications systems are operational, while retail and food outlets are being introduced in phases.

Designed by architect Nuru Karim, the terminal draws inspiration from Assam’s kopou phool and incorporates more than 140 metric tonnes of bamboo, referencing regional craftsmanship traditions. A vaulted roofline maximises natural light, while an amphitheatre-style arrivals forecourt showcases local art and performance.

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