LGBI Airport Marks Five Years of Commercial Operations, Reinforcing Its Position as the Gateway to Northeast India

Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), Guwahati on Thursday marks five years of commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in its journey since 8 October 2021, when Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) took over the operations of the airport and commenced a new chapter in its growth and transformation.

As per a release by Adani Airport Holdings Limited(AAHL), the milestone reflects the airport’s evolving role in strengthening air connectivity and supporting the growth of Northeast India.  At present, LGBI Airport serves as a strategic gateway connecting the eight Northeastern states with the rest of India and an increasing number of international destinations. Its expanding connectivity, passenger services and operational capabilities are supporting the region’s growing tourism, trade, business and investment potential.

It is stated that a major milestone in this journey was the commissioning of the new Terminal 2 in February 2026. Built to meet the region’s future aviation needs, the terminal has increased the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 13.1 million passengers. The airport handled 7.01 million passengers in CY 2025, reflecting the increasing demand for air travel to and from Assam and the wider Northeast.

A defining feature of Terminal 2 is its celebration of the Northeast’s cultural identity. The terminal incorporates regional design elements and approximately 140 metric tonnes of bamboo, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and craftsmanship.

 The Arrival Village further enhances the passenger experience by offering an immediate sense of the Northeast’s cultural character and architectural traditions. The terminal’s distinctive architecture and design have also received international recognition through its inclusion in the 2026 Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports list.

Beyond aviation, LGBI Airport is emerging as an important enabler of regional economic development. Enhanced connectivity is supporting tourism, trade, employment and investment, while facilitating the movement of time-sensitive products such as tea, fruits, flowers, food products and pharmaceuticals to national and international markets.

As Guwahati strengthens its position as a hub for business events and MICE activities, improved aviation infrastructure is expected to further contribute to the region’s hospitality and business ecosystem.

The release stated that the airport’s growth has been supported by a strong commitment to passenger experience, operational excellence and sustainability. Initiatives focused on rainwater harvesting, water conservation, waste management, energy efficiency and responsible resource use continue to support sustainable airport development.

Behind this growth is a large ecosystem of people, including airport teams, airline partners, CISF personnel, ground-handling teams, engineering and maintenance staff, fire and safety personnel, housekeeping, customer service and cargo teams, whose collective efforts keep the airport safe, efficient and passenger-focused.

As LGBI Airport completes five years of commercial operations, its journey reflects the broader transformation of Assam and the Northeast. From the commencement of operations in 2021 to the opening of Terminal 2 in 2026, the airport continues to connect people, opportunities and aspirations while strengthening its role as a modern aviation and economic gateway to the Northeast and beyond, it added.