Guwahati’s Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport marked a major milestone as its brand-new terminal kicked off commercial operations on Sunday evening. This expansion catapults the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 13.1 million, solidifying the Assam capital’s role as a vital gateway linking India’s strategic Northeast with South and Southeast Asia.
The rollout of the new terminal followed a meticulous phased approach. Before full activation, teams conducted live trials for check-in counters, baggage systems, security screenings, and aircraft operations to ensure seamless functionality. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the facility back on December 20, 2023, setting the stage for this operational launch.
The event drew Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Limited. Highlights included handing over a symbolic boarding pass to the first passenger and the landing of an Akasa Air flight from Mumbai. Traditional lamp-lighting ceremonies and cultural performances featured artisans, tea plantation workers, airport staff, and CISF personnel, celebrating the occasion with local flair.
Chief Minister Sarma praised the Adani Group’s commitment, noting how Chairman Gautam Adani fulfilled a Rs 50,000 crore investment pledge made during ‘Advantage Assam 2.0’. He highlighted the terminal’s potential to revolutionize tourism and position it as a game-changer for the state’s economy.
Jeet Adani described the expansion as a reflection of the region’s growing demands and future prospects, calling it a proud moment for Assam and the entire Northeast. Over recent years, Guwahati has emerged among India’s fastest-growing non-metro airports, with passenger numbers surpassing 9 million annually, ranking it among the top 10-12 busiest nationwide.
The upgraded infrastructure now supports 13.1 million passengers yearly, paving the way for additional flights and enhanced international connectivity. Currently, the airport connects to 21 domestic and three international destinations—Bangkok, Paro, and Singapore—with over 130 daily flights.
Designed by renowned Indian architect Nuru Karim, the terminal draws inspiration from Assam’s iconic Kopou Phool (foxtail orchid). It incorporates over 140 metric tons of bamboo, blending local bamboo craftsmanship with traditional styles from Arunachal Pradesh’s Apatani tribe. Adani Airport Holdings Limited manages operations through its subsidiary Guwahati International Airport Limited, overseeing several other key airports across India including Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Mangaluru.