Guwahati Airport's New Terminal Begins Commercial Operations, Boosting Northeast Connectivity
The newly constructed state-of-the-art terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati officially started commercial operations on Sunday evening. This significant development comes approximately two months after the terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a major milestone for aviation infrastructure in the strategic northeast region.
Enhanced Capacity and Strategic Importance
The launch of the new terminal has substantially increased the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 13.1 million passengers. This expansion further solidifies Guwahati's crucial role as the primary aviation gateway to the entire northeast region while strengthening its connections to south and south-east Asia.
Guwahati has emerged as one of India's fastest-growing non-metro airports, demonstrating consistent traffic growth over the past decade according to airport officials. In recent years, passenger volumes have exceeded 7.1 million annually, positioning the airport among the country's 10 to 12 busiest facilities by passenger traffic.
The expanded 13.1 million capacity is anticipated to facilitate several key developments including:
- Introduction of new domestic and international flight routes
- Increased frequencies on existing flight connections
- Enhanced international connectivity to neighboring regions
- Support for growing tourism and business travel demands
Official Ceremony and Key Statements
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jeet Adani, director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), were present to mark the commencement of operations at the new terminal. The event featured a ceremonial boarding pass issued to the first departing passenger, along with the arrival of an Akasa Air flight from Mumbai at the newly operational facility.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his appreciation during the ceremony, stating: "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. I believe with the operationalisation of this new terminal, Assam's tourism will get a significant boost. It will be a gamechanger for Assam. The culture of Assam was respected during the construction of this new airport terminal, and as Assamese, we are proud of it."
The occasion also included a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and cultural programmes organized in the arrivals forecourt, celebrating the integration of local heritage with modern infrastructure.
Strategic Vision and Regional Development
Jeet Adani emphasized the broader significance of the expansion, noting: "Today is more than a commercial milestone. It is a proud moment for the people of Assam and the entire northeast region. This development resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for future-ready infrastructure and aligns with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's mission to position Assam as the economic engine of the region."
He further explained that the terminal expansion directly responds to rising passenger demand while supporting the region's long-term economic growth objectives. The enhanced facilities are expected to stimulate tourism, business investment, and regional connectivity, creating a multiplier effect throughout the northeast economy.
The new terminal incorporates modern design elements while respecting and reflecting Assamese cultural heritage, creating a unique architectural identity that celebrates local traditions alongside functional efficiency. This balanced approach has been widely praised by officials and community members alike.
With this significant infrastructure enhancement, Guwahati Airport is now better positioned to handle growing passenger volumes while serving as a critical transportation hub connecting the northeast with domestic and international destinations. The development represents a substantial step forward in improving regional accessibility and supporting economic development across Assam and neighboring states.
