1. Guwahati Airport in Assam is set to inaugurate a new integrated terminal building in July 2024.
2. The expansion is a response to the increased passenger traffic, with the airport handling 5.6 million passengers last year.
3. The new terminal, resembling the ‘Foxtail Orchid,’ is designed to enhance capacity and reflect Assam’s cultural identity.
Guwahati, Feb 02: In a significant development for Guwahati Airport in Assam, a new integrated terminal building is set to be inaugurated in July 2024.
The expansion is in response to the rising passenger traffic, with the airport having accommodated 5.6 million passengers last year, reaching its capacity limits.
The upcoming terminal is not just an infrastructural expansion but a representation of Assam’s cultural identity, as it symbolizes the ‘Foxtail Orchid’ or Kopou Phool.
This floral emblem is the state flower, carrying cultural significance as a symbol of love, fertility, and celebration among the Assamese people.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced during 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.”
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The Foxtail Orchid, scientifically known as Rhynchostylis retusa, holds a special place in local culture. It is traditionally worn by female Bihu dancers in their hair during the Bohag Bihu festival, marking the Assamese New Year celebrated on April 14th.
The design of the new terminal aims to accommodate the growing number of travelers, with a capacity to handle 4,300 domestic and 200 international passengers during peak hours, and an estimated 10 million passengers annually.
The terminal will feature modern amenities, including 64 check-in counters, 20 self-check-in kiosks, six baggage counters, in-line baggage security screening systems, and ten aerobridges.
This expansion is expected to double the airport’s capacity, meeting current demands and accommodating future growth.
Currently, Guwahati International Airport operates with two terminals, where Terminal 1 serves domestic flights and Terminal 2 caters to international travelers.
The addition of the new terminal is anticipated to significantly enhance the airport’s functionality and aesthetics, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Assam through its association with the Foxtail Orchid.
This strategic initiative is poised to further connect Guwahati with more domestic and international destinations, fostering increased connectivity and contributing to economic growth in the region.
The new terminal is scheduled for commissioning in July 2024, marking a transformative milestone for air transportation in Northeast India.
