The Aryavarth Express Guwahati, Assam: Air India and Air India Express have officially commenced all flight operations from the newly inaugurated Terminal 2 (T2) at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), Guwahati, starting Monday. The transition marks a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity in the Northeast region.
The first Air India flight to arrive at the new terminal was AI 879 from Delhi, followed by its return leg AI 880 to Delhi, which became the airline’s inaugural departure from T2.
To celebrate the occasion, Air India showcased Assam’s cultural heritage onboard AI 879 by serving traditional narikolor laru to passengers. The first check-in guest was also honoured with a traditional Assamese gamusa, reflecting the airline’s commitment to cultural connection.
Air India Express also began its T2 operations with flight IX 1517 from Kolkata, marking its first arrival at the new terminal. The onward journey to Imphal became its inaugural departure from the facility.
Currently, Air India operates two daily return flights between Delhi and Guwahati. Air India Express connects Guwahati with 17 daily flights to cities including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Hyderabad, Imphal, Jaipur, and Kolkata.
Both airlines have deployed ground teams at the new terminal to ensure smooth passenger handling and seamless service.
LGBIA presently connects 21 domestic and three international destinations—Bangkok, Paro, and Singapore—and handles over 130 aircraft movements daily. The new terminal is expected to significantly boost Guwahati’s position as a regional aviation hub linking the Northeast with mainland India and Southeast Asia.
Designed by renowned Indian architect Nuru Karim, Terminal 2 draws inspiration from Assam’s kopou phool (foxtail orchid). The structure incorporates over 140 metric tonnes of bamboo and features design elements reflecting traditional bamboo craftsmanship and cultural influences from the region, including those of the Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.
The terminal’s innovative design earned the International Architecture Award 2025 for seamlessly blending regional identity with modern infrastructure.
The airport is operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) through its subsidiary Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL). AAHL also manages several other major airports across India, including those in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport.
