The terminal has been designed around the theme of nature and draws inspiration from Assam’s iconic kopou phool, or foxtail orchid
Biswadeep Gupta
Guwahati: The Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati has entered a new phase of modernisation with the opening of its new integrated terminal, aimed at strengthening air connectivity and meeting the growing passenger demand in the Northeast.
Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the new terminal was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025. Passenger services at the terminal began on February 22, 2026, with an Akasa Air flight arriving from Mumbai marking the start of commercial operations.
The modern terminal, built at a cost of around Rs.4,000 crore to Rs.5,000 crore, has increased the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 13.1 million. The expansion is expected to make Guwahati a stronger aviation hub for the Northeast.
The terminal has been designed around the theme of nature and draws inspiration from Assam’s iconic kopou phool, or foxtail orchid. The structure uses more than 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from different parts of the Northeast.
One of the major attractions is the indoor “Sky Forest”, spread across nearly 1.4 lakh square metres. It features close to one lakh indigenous plants and green landscapes inspired by Kaziranga, giving the terminal a distinct regional identity.
The new facility also comes with several modern passenger services, including DigiYatra, self-baggage drop facilities, automated baggage handling and AI-based security scanners. Transit hotel, duty-free shopping and lounge facilities are also available.
The airport’s expansion also includes plans for improved air cargo facilities and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure. Around Rs.1,000 crore has been earmarked for MRO facilities, which are expected to support aircraft maintenance and servicing in the region.
Domestic flight operations were shifted to the new terminal first, while international flights initially continued from the old terminal as part of a phased transition.
Located at Borjhar, around 28 km from central Guwahati, LGBIA is the main international aviation gateway to Northeast India. The modernisation of the airport is expected to boost tourism, business, trade and overall connectivity across the region.
