Guwahati, Feb 22 (NationPress) The newly inaugurated terminal at Guwahati's Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport (LGBIA) officially commenced operations on Sunday evening, elevating the annual passenger capacity to 13.1 million. This expansion solidifies the city’s role as a key aviation hub connecting India’s strategic North-Eastern region with South and Southeast Asia.

The activation of the terminal occurred in a phased manner, featuring live trials in check-in, baggage handling, security, and aircraft turnaround prior to the full-scale launch. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the terminal on December 20, 2025.

In attendance at the launch were Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), which is India’s largest private airport operator. The day was commemorated with the issuance of a ceremonial boarding pass to the first departing passenger and the arrival of an Akasa Air flight from Mumbai at the new terminal. Cultural performances and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony took place in the arrivals area, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage along with the infrastructural advancement.

Chief Minister Sarma expressed gratitude to Mr. Gautam Adani for his commitment to invest Rs 50,000 crore, made during Advantage Assam 2.0 last year. He emphasized that the operationalization of this new terminal would significantly boost Assam’s tourism sector, calling it a game-changer for the state. He also highlighted that the construction of the terminal respected Assamese culture, leaving the people of Assam proud.

Jeet Adani remarked that the expansion aligns with the region’s growing demand and long-term development trajectory. He stated, “Today marks more than just a commercial achievement; it’s a proud moment for the people of Assam and the North-East. This accomplishment is a testament to the vision transforming into reality, echoing the Prime Minister’s aim for future-ready infrastructure and Chief Minister Sarma’s goal of positioning Assam as the North-East’s economic hub.”

Guwahati has become one of India’s fastest-growing non-metro airports, experiencing steady traffic growth in the past ten years. With annual passenger numbers exceeding nine million recently, it ranks among the top 10 to 12 busiest airports in India by passenger volume. The newly expanded capacity of 13.1 million allows for additional route offerings, increased aircraft frequencies, and enhanced international connectivity.

The airport currently serves 21 domestic destinations and three international routes, including Bangkok, Paro, and Singapore, managing over 130 aircraft traffic movements (ATMs) daily. The added capacity is anticipated to fortify Guwahati’s position as a regional hub linking the North-East with mainland India and Southeast Asia.

System validation exercises have included airline coordination, ground handling, emergency procedures, and digital integration. The terminal is equipped with Digi Yatra-enabled processing, integrated wayfinding, and centralized communication systems, with retail and food services being rolled out gradually.

Designed by the internationally recognized Indian architect Nuru Karim, the terminal takes inspiration from Assam’s ‘kopou phool’ (foxtail orchid) and utilizes over 140 metric tonnes (MT) of bamboo. It reflects Assam’s bamboo craftsmanship and the structural traditions associated with the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, illustrating the rich cultural tapestry of the North-East.

The terminal features a vaulted roofline that enhances spatial continuity and natural light, while an amphitheatre-style arrivals forecourt introduces travelers to the region’s artistic and performance traditions. The design has received the International Architecture Award 2025 for merging regional identity with modern infrastructure.

Managed by AAHL through its subsidiary Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL), AAHL also oversees airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Mangaluru.