Guwahati airport to get new terminal representing 'Foxtail Orchid' in July

Digital Desk: In Assam's vibrant landscape, a notable development is underway as Guwahati Airport gears up to unveil its new integrated terminal building in July 2024. This advancement responds to the surging passenger traffic, with the airport having accommodated 5.6 million passengers last year, pushing its limits. The new terminal not only expands capacity but also embodies Assam's cultural identity, resembling the 'Foxtail Orchid,' or Kopou Phool, symbolizing love, fertility, and celebration among the Assamese.

Addressing the media, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted, "The new Guwahati airport will look exactly like the 'Foxtail Orchid.' This terminal, to be completed in July 2024, will give Guwahati a significant tourism boost." The Foxtail Orchid, scientifically Rhynchostylis retusa, is integral to local culture, adorning the hair of female Bihu dancers during the Bohag Bihu festival, marking the Assamese New Year.

Designed to accommodate the rising number of travelers, the new terminal boasts a capacity to manage 4,300 domestic and 200 international passengers during peak hours, handling approximately 10 million passengers annually. It features 64 check-in counters, 20 self-check-in kiosks, six baggage counters, in-line baggage security screening systems, and ten aerobridges. This expansion doubles the airport's capacity, addressing present demands and future growth.

Guwahati International Airport currently operates with two terminals, catering separately to domestic and international flights. The addition of the new terminal significantly enhances functionality and aesthetics, weaving the rich cultural tapestry of Assam through its association with the Foxtail Orchid.

This strategic move aims to better connect Guwahati with domestic and international destinations, fostering increased connectivity and economic growth in the region. The new terminal's commissioning in July 2024 marks a pivotal chapter for air transportation in Northeast India, promising improved services and a visually striking representation of Assam's cultural heritage.