Guwahati, 2nd February: In a momentous stride, Guwahati Airport is set to introduce its state-of-the-art integrated terminal building in July 2024, a response to the surging passenger influx that pushed the previous year’s tally to 5.6 million. This expansion signifies not only an increase in capacity but also serves as a cultural emblem, mirroring Assam’s identity through the representation of the state flower, the ‘Foxtail Orchid’ or Kopou Phool.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, shared in a press conference, “The new Guwahati airport will look exactly like the ‘Foxtail Orchid,’ or Kopou Phool. This terminal will be completed in July 2024. Following this Guwahati will witness a significant boost in tourism.”
The Foxtail Orchid, scientifically known as Rhynchostylis retusa, holds cultural significance, adorning the hair of female Bihu dancers during the Bohag Bihu festival, a key celebration of the Assamese New Year on April 14th.
Designed to accommodate the rising number of travellers, the new terminal can manage 4,300 domestic and 200 international passengers during peak hours, catering to approximately 10 million passengers annually. Boasting modern amenities such as 64 check-in counters, 20 self-check-in kiosks, six baggage counters, in-line baggage security screening systems, and ten aerobridges, this expansion aims to double the airport’s capacity, addressing both current demands and future growth.
Currently operating with two terminals, with Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international travel, the addition of the new terminal is poised to significantly enhance both functionality and aesthetics, aligning with the rich cultural heritage of Assam through its association with the Foxtail Orchid.
This strategic initiative is expected to fortify Guwahati’s connectivity, fostering economic growth in the region by opening up more domestic and international destinations. The scheduled commissioning of the new terminal in July 2024 marks a pivotal moment for air transportation in Northeast India.