Photo: Adani
Following its inauguration at the end of December by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport’s (LGBIA) new terminal will begin operations in February 2026.
A gateway to the Assam and a critical hub for India’s eight Northeastern states, the terminal, which has progressed from concept to commissioning in under one year, has been backed by a rigorous focus on operational readiness.
Its inauguration underscores the pace with which India’s aviation infrastructure is being conceived, built, tested and readied for live operations. A comprehensive Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme supported by a team from Munich in Germany, has supported the opening of the terminal. The ORAT team has ensured that systems, processes and passenger flows are aligned for safe, seamless operations.
Operated by Adani, the airport’s new terminal draws inspiration from Assam’s iconic ‘kopou phool’ (foxtail orchid) and other indigenous bamboo varieties and has been named the Bamboo Orchids.
According to PM Modi, 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 progresses toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
The structure blends natural materials, abundant daylight and contemporary design with the architecture reflecting the Northeast region’s ecological and cultural wealth. Around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from the region have been used throughout the terminal.
Commenting at the inauguration, Gautam Adani, Chairman of the 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.”
To ensure a seamless passenger experience and smooth operations, the new terminal which has been designed to handle over 13 million passengers annually by 2032, is equipped with DigiYatra-enabled processing, smart check-in systems and expansive passenger areas. In FY2024-25, the airport handled 6.5 million passengers and currently ranks as the 10th busiest airport in India.
The overall airport development represents an investment of INR 5,000 crore (USD 55 million). Planned integrated domestic and international cargo infrastructure will further strengthen trade, logistics and employment opportunities throughout the region.
