EDITOR’S SYNOPSIS
- Design unveiled by PM Narendra Modi at Advantage Assam 2.0 in February; terminal inaugurated today.
- Operations to begin by end-February, underscoring compressed timelines in airport infrastructure delivery.
- The project highlights the Adani Group’s execution scale alongside the December 25 launch of Navi Mumbai
International Airport.
Guwahati, 20 December 2025: Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today
inaugurated the new
terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), completing a rare,
accelerated journey from
concept to commissioning in under a year—backed by a rigorous focus on operational readiness.
The terminal’s design was unveiled by the Prime Minister in February at Advantage Assam 2.0. Its
inauguration today, with operations expected to commence by the end of February, underscores the pace at
which India’s aviation infrastructure is now being conceived, built, tested and readied for live
operations. A comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT)
programme—supported by an
expert visiting team from Munich, Germany—has ensured that systems, processes, personnel and passenger
flows are aligned for a safe and seamless opening from day one.
Envisioned as a modern gateway rooted in regional identity, the terminal—aptly named “The Bamboo
Orchids”— draws inspiration from Assam’s iconic kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and indigenous
bamboo
varieties such as Bholuka bamboo from Assam and Apatani bamboo from Arunachal Pradesh. Blending natural
materials, abundant daylight and contemporary design, the architecture reflects the Northeast’s
ecological and cultural richness. Around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo
from the region
have been used across the terminal, positioning it among India’s most prominent examples of
nature-inspired airport architecture where traditional craftsmanship is reimagined through modern
engineering.
The project has been developed by Guwahati International Airport Limited, with operations led by
Adani
Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). The terminal exemplifies the Adani Group’s integrated
approach to
infrastructure delivery—bringing together design excellence, engineering capability, ORAT-led
preparedness and time-bound execution across complex aviation projects.
Placing the inauguration in a larger national context, Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra
Modi
described it as part of a wider Vikas ka Utsav unfolding in Assam across the Northeast.
He noted that
Assam is emerging as India’s eastern gateway under the Act East policy, with the
bamboo-rich terminal
symbolising strength, sustainability and the state’s growing role in powering Viksit
Bharat, as India
advances toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Commenting on the occasion, Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said: “The Guwahati
terminal
demonstrates how world-class airport infrastructure can be delivered swiftly while remaining deeply
rooted in local identity. It will strengthen connectivity, support economic growth across the Northeast,
and offer passengers a seamless, modern travel experience.”
Equipped with DigiYatra-enabled processing, smart check-in systems and expansive passenger areas, the
terminal is designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032. In FY 2024–25,
Guwahati Airport
handled 6.50 million passengers, underscoring the region’s accelerating aviation
demand. Currently,
Guwahati ranks as the 10th busiest airport in India, serving as a critical hub for all
eight
Northeastern states.
The overall airport development represents an investment of ₹5,000 crore, including
₹1,000 crore earmarked for
Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. Planned integrated domestic and international cargo
infrastructure will further strengthen trade, logistics and employment generation across the region.
The Guwahati milestone forms part of a wider national aviation expansion led by AAHL, with execution
momentum
continuing through the scheduled operational launch of the Navi Mumbai International Airport
(NMIA) on December
25—one of India’s largest greenfield airport projects.
Together, these developments reflect India’s evolving infrastructure landscape—where speed, scale,
operational
readiness and design excellence converge to create future-ready gateways for growth.
About Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL)
Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL) Guwahati, managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a
subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited, the flagship company of the globally diversified Adani Group, is the
largest private operator of airports in India. GIAL is responsible for the operation and modernisation of Lokpriya
Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI Airport), Guwahati, a key aviation asset and the gateway to Northeast
India.
LGBI Airport (IATA: GAU, ICAO: VEGT) with a legacy spanning 67 years, serves as the premier gateway to Northeast
India and continues to enhance air connectivity across domestic and international sectors. In FY 2024-25, the
airport successfully managed 6.57 million passengers, including 91,594 international passengers and 1,009
international ATMs, along with 45,410 domestic ATMs, marking a significant expansion in global outreach.
With a ‘digital-first’ philosophy, LGBI Airport is committed to delivering a seamless passenger experience,
leveraging state-of-the-art technology and modern infrastructure. As a key EXIM and logistics hub, LGBI Airport
recorded 12,893 metric tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2024-25.
In December 2024, LGBI Airport was recognised for its commitment to customer excellence, achieving Level 2
accreditation by the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Customer Experience programme. Further reinforcing
its sustainability efforts, the airport received the prestigious Greentech PCWR Award 2024 for Waste Management &
Recycling Leadership.
About Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL)
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) is India’s largest operator of Public Private Partnership airports dedicated to
transforming the country’s aviation landscape with innovative, sustainable, and customer-centric solutions. Adani
Airports is a part of the Adani Group’s flagship company, Adani Enterprises Ltd., that aims to extend the company's
vision as a global integrated leader in infrastructure and transportation. In 2019, AAHL won the mandate to
modernise and operate six airports, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram
through a competitive tendering process by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). AAHL manages Chatrapati Shivaji
Maharaj International Airport at Mumbai and will soon operationalise Navi Mumbai International Airport at Navi
Mumbai, taking the total tally of airports under the AAHL banner to eight.
AAHL strives to deliver world-class passenger experiences, enhance connectivity, and foster economic growth. Through
its commitment to operational excellence, technological advancement, and stakeholder engagement, AAHL is shaping the
future of air travel and contributing to India’s global standing in the aviation sector.
