Guwahati Airport Terminal T2 Guide 2026: Airlines, Facilities & More

India’s first nature-themed airport terminal is now open for business. Guwahati Airport’s Terminal T2, officially named “The Bamboo Orchids,” started commercial operations on February 22, 2026, with a capacity to handle 10 million passengers annually. The terminal spans 1,40,000 square metres and features the country’s only 90-foot indoor rainforest — the Sky Forest.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the terminal on December 20, 2025 (Press Information Bureau, 2025). Two months later, the first commercial flight touched down — an Akasa Air service from Mumbai. HappyFares founder Shanti Jain was on that inaugural flight and experienced the new terminal first-hand.

This guide covers every detail you’ll need: which airlines operate from T2, what food and stores are available, the award-winning architecture, passenger facilities, and how to book your flight. Whether you’re flying in for business or heading to the Northeast for a holiday, this is your complete reference.

What Is the New Guwahati Airport Terminal T2?

Guwahati’s T2 is India’s first nature-themed airport terminal, built at a revised cost of Rs 2,000 crore and spanning 15 lakh square feet (Adani Airport Holdings, 2026). Named “The Bamboo Orchids,” the terminal draws from Assam’s kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and the region’s bamboo heritage. It isn’t just functional — it’s a statement about Northeast India’s identity.

The terminal sits alongside the existing T1 at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (IATA: GAU). Together, they’re designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032. That’s a significant jump — Guwahati handled 7.01 million passengers in calendar year 2025, its highest ever (AAI Annual Report, 2025).

HappyFares founder Shanti Jain walked through the terminal on its very first day of operations and describes it as unlike any Indian airport — “the bamboo columns and living plants make you feel like you’ve stepped into an Assamese forest, not a departure hall.”

Adani Airport Holdings operates Guwahati Airport on a 50-year lease that started in October 2021. The total development investment, including MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities, amounts to Rs 5,000 crore. The foundation stone was laid in January 2018, and construction kicked off two months later.

When Did Guwahati Airport T2 Start Operations?

Commercial flights began on February 22, 2026, exactly two months after PM Modi’s inauguration on December 20, 2025 (PIB, 2025). Akasa Air operated the first flight — a Mumbai-to-Guwahati service that departed at 1:40 PM and landed at 4:45 PM. The event was attended by Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings.

The opening day had all the ceremony you’d expect. A traditional lamp-lighting kicked things off, followed by a cake-cutting. Every passenger on that inaugural Akasa Air flight received a special commemorative boarding pass — a collector’s item that marks the start of a new chapter for Northeast Indian aviation.

HappyFares founder Shanti Jain was the first passenger to arrive at Terminal T2 on that inaugural Akasa Air flight from Mumbai. Shanti was felicitated by Assam CM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma during the arrival ceremony. “The terminal felt world-class,” Shanti noted. “The orchid-inspired columns, the bamboo installations, the sheer space — it’s on par with any major international terminal I’ve walked through.”

SpiceJet and Alliance Air both shifted their operations to T2 on March 1, 2026. Air India and Air India Express moved to T2 on March 16, 2026 — Air India’s first arrival was flight AI879 from Delhi, and its first departure was AI880 to Delhi.

What about IndiGo? India’s largest domestic carrier hasn’t announced a timeline for moving to T2 yet. For now, IndiGo passengers should continue using T1. We’ll update this guide as soon as the transition date is confirmed.

Which Airlines Are Operating from Guwahati Airport T2?

Five airlines now fly from T2, with Air India Express contributing the highest daily frequency at 17 flights per day (Adani Airport Holdings, March 2026). The transition is happening in phases — not every carrier has moved yet, so checking your airline’s terminal before heading to the airport is worth the 30 seconds it takes.

Airline	Start Date at T2	Details
Akasa Air	Feb 22, 2026	First airline at T2; inaugural Mumbai-Guwahati flight
SpiceJet	Mar 1, 2026	Shifted operations from T1 to T2
Alliance Air	Mar 1, 2026	All flights shifted from T1
Air India	Mar 16, 2026	First arrival AI879 (Delhi); First departure AI880 (Delhi)
Air India Express	Mar 16, 2026	First arrival IX1517 (Kolkata); 17 daily flights
IndiGo	TBA	No transition timeline announced; currently at T1

A quick heads-up for travellers: if you’re flying Air India or Air India Express from March 16 onward, you need to go to T2, not T1. This is a common source of confusion during terminal transitions — arriving at the wrong terminal can mean a panicked shuttle ride and a close call at the boarding gate.

Alliance Air’s shift is notable because it moved entirely. Every single Alliance Air flight at Guwahati now departs from T2. If you’re on an Alliance Air UDAN route to a smaller Northeast destination, T2 is your terminal.

As of March 2026, five airlines operate from Guwahati Airport Terminal T2: Akasa Air (from Feb 22), SpiceJet and Alliance Air (from Mar 1), and Air India plus Air India Express (from Mar 16). IndiGo has not announced a transition date and remains at T1 (Adani Airport Holdings, 2026).

How Big Is the New Guwahati Airport Terminal?

Terminal T2 covers 1,40,000 square metres — roughly 15 lakh square feet — making it one of the largest airport terminals in Eastern and Northeast India (Adani Airport Holdings, 2026). The standalone capacity is 10 million passengers per year, which is over 40% more than what the entire airport handled in calendar year 2025.

But raw area doesn’t tell the full story. It’s what’s inside that matters for your experience as a passenger. Here’s how T2’s infrastructure breaks down compared to what T1 offered.

T1 vs T2 Comparison

Feature	T1 (Old)	T2 (New)
Annual Capacity	~3.1 million	10 million
Check-in Counters	~24	64
Aerobridges	3	10
Baggage Belts	2	6
Self Check-in Kiosks	Limited	20
Self Baggage Drop	None	16
Digi Yatra E-gates	No	Yes
Peak Hour Capacity	~1,200 pax/hr	4,500 pax/hr
Remote Stands	~8	22
Indoor Rainforest	No	Yes (Sky Forest)

Key Infrastructure Numbers at a Glance

The peak hour capacity tells the real story. T2 can process 4,300 domestic passengers and 200 international passengers per hour — 4,500 total. That’s nearly four times what T1 managed. For context, Guwahati Airport’s air traffic movements are capped at 34 per hour, the highest in Northeast India.

Baggage handling gets a major upgrade too. The CT baggage scanners handle inline screening, which means your bags get scanned on the belt without being pulled aside separately. Throughput hits approximately 2,400 bags per hour. If you’ve ever waited 40 minutes at a cramped T1 baggage belt, you’ll appreciate the difference six reclaim belts make.

The 16 self baggage drop counters are a first for any Northeast Indian airport. Combined with 20 self check-in kiosks and Digi Yatra e-gates, the terminal is designed to minimise queues at every stage from entry to boarding.

Guwahati Airport Terminal T2 spans 1,40,000 sq m with a capacity of 10 million passengers annually. It features 64 check-in counters, 10 aerobridges, 22 remote stands, 16 self baggage drop units, and CT baggage scanners processing 2,400 bags per hour — making it the most advanced airport terminal in Northeast India (Adani Airport Holdings, 2026).

What Stores and Restaurants Are Available at Guwahati Airport T2?

T2 has over 10 food and retail outlets ranging from authentic Assamese cuisine to global chains, along with 24/7 domestic and international lounges (Adani Airport Holdings, 2026). This is a major improvement over T1, where dining options were limited to a handful of snack counters. Here’s what’s serving now.

Restaurants and Cafes

Outlet	What They Serve	Best For
Khorika	Rare Northeastern dishes, authentic Assamese thali	Local cuisine lovers — try the Assamese thali
Goodwyn Tea	Premium Assam teas and blends	Tea connoisseurs and souvenir shopping
Zesto	Pasta, pizza, momos	Quick fusion bites before boarding
Costa Coffee	Coffee, snacks, cold brews	Caffeine fix and a quiet sit-down
Masala Kitchen	Indian cuisine — North and South Indian	Full meals if you skipped breakfast
Domino’s	Pizza, garlic bread, sides	Families with kids
Wow Chicken / Wow Momo	Fried chicken, momos, combos	Budget-friendly grab-and-go meals
Cococart	Chocolates, candy, confectionery	Gifting and sweet cravings
Flying Bites	Burgers, Maggi, tea, sandwiches	Classic airport comfort food

Khorika deserves special mention. It’s one of the few airport restaurants in India that serves genuine regional cuisine rather than the standard paneer-butter-naan rotation. If you’ve never tried an Assamese thali, this is your chance — smoked meats, tangy fish curries, and fermented bamboo shoot preparations that you won’t find at 35,000 feet.

Ever tried Goodwyn Tea? It’s an Assam-based brand that’s become a favourite among tea enthusiasts. Picking up a box of their second flush Assam tea makes for a great souvenir — certainly more memorable than another fridge magnet.

Shopping and Retail

Beyond food, T2 houses a handicraft emporium showcasing products from across Northeast India — handwoven Assamese silk, Naga shawls, and bamboo crafts. There’s also a jewellery store, souvenir shops, and duty-free shopping for international passengers. The duty-free section isn’t massive, but it covers the essentials: liquor, perfume, and cosmetics.

Guwahati Airport T2 features over 10 food and retail outlets including Khorika (authentic Assamese thali), Goodwyn Tea (premium Assam teas), Costa Coffee, Domino’s, and Wow Momo. Both domestic and international lounges operate 24/7, and the terminal includes a handicraft emporium and duty-free shopping (Adani Airport Holdings, 2026).

What Facilities Does Guwahati Airport T2 Offer for Passengers?

T2 provides 14 entry points — more than triple what T1 had — to manage peak-hour flows of up to 4,500 passengers per hour (AAI, 2026). Beyond the basics, the terminal includes dedicated facilities for families, differently-abled passengers, and those with religious observance needs. Here’s the full list.

Technology and Processing

• Digi Yatra e-gates: Facial recognition for contactless entry and security clearance. If you haven’t registered yet, download the Digi Yatra app before your trip — it genuinely saves 15-20 minutes
• 20 self check-in kiosks: Print your boarding pass without waiting in the counter queue
• 16 self baggage drop units: Tag and drop your checked bags independently
• CT baggage scanners: Inline screening that processes ~2,400 bags/hour with fewer manual interventions
• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal — no time cap announced yet

Comfort and Accessibility

• 2 baby care rooms: Open 24/7 for nursing mothers and infant care
• Prayer/multi-faith room: Quiet space for passengers of all faiths
• Smoking zone: Designated area — don’t worry about stepping outside
• Differently-abled facilities: Wheelchair access, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout
• 10 escalators and 6 elevators: No long walks between levels
• Medical facilities: On-site medical room for emergencies

Services

• Porter service: Available at arrivals for luggage assistance
• Pranaam meet-and-greet: Premium airport assistance — great for elderly parents or first-time flyers
• Lost and found: Dedicated counter for misplaced items
• Tourist information counter: Maps, local tips, and transport guidance
• Forex and ATMs: Currency exchange and cash withdrawal facilities

Here’s something travellers don’t think about until they need it: the baby care rooms. If you’ve ever tried to change a diaper in a cramped airport restroom, you know how stressful it gets. T2’s two dedicated 24/7 baby care rooms are a relief for parents flying with infants.

Guwahati Airport T2 provides Digi Yatra e-gates, 20 self check-in kiosks, 16 self baggage drop counters, CT inline baggage scanners processing 2,400 bags/hour, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 baby care rooms, Pranaam meet-and-greet service, and medical facilities — making it Northeast India’s most passenger-friendly terminal (AAI, 2026).

What Makes the Architecture of Guwahati Airport T2 Special?

T2 won the International Architectural Award 2025 in the Transport/Airports category — the first Indian airport terminal to receive this honour in recent years (NUDES Studio, 2025). Designed by Mumbai-based architect Nuru Karim of NUDES Studio, the terminal uses over 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced Northeast Indian bamboo and 57 orchid-inspired columns that run from floor to ceiling.

The Sky Forest

The centrepiece is the Sky Forest — a 90-foot indoor rainforest containing approximately 1 lakh plants from 100 local Assamese species. Think about that for a moment. An actual forest, indoors, at an airport. No other airport in India has anything like it. The plants aren’t decorative props — they’re living, growing, and maintained as a functioning ecosystem.

Most Indian airports try to impress with marble and steel. Guwahati took the opposite approach. By building around bamboo, orchids, and a living forest, T2 communicates something that polished granite never can — a sense of place. You know immediately that you’re in Assam, not just “at an airport.” This is a design philosophy we’ve seen at Singapore’s Changi (the Jewel) and Amsterdam Schiphol, but never before at an Indian airport.

Bamboo Heritage

The 140+ tonnes of bamboo aren’t just structural. They’re cultural. Northeast India produces over 60% of India’s bamboo, and Assam is one of the largest bamboo-growing states. The terminal’s name — “The Bamboo Orchids” — directly references this heritage alongside the kopou phool (foxtail orchid), Assam’s state flower.

What does 57 orchid-inspired columns look like in practice? Imagine walking through a corridor where each pillar opens upward like a flower in bloom, with bamboo weaving between them. The natural light filtering through these structures creates patterns that shift throughout the day. It’s functional art.

Green Features

T2 isn’t just pretty — it’s built with sustainability in mind. The terminal includes rainwater harvesting that collects approximately 20 million litres per year. Eighty percent of wastewater gets recycled. Passive cooling reduces the air conditioning load, and solar power supplements the energy grid. For an airport terminal that spans 15 lakh square feet, these aren’t token gestures.

Designed by architect Nuru Karim (NUDES Studio, Mumbai), Guwahati Airport T2 features 140+ metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo, 57 orchid-inspired columns, and a 90-foot indoor rainforest called the Sky Forest with 1 lakh plants from 100 native species. It won the International Architectural Award 2025 in the Transport/Airports category and is India’s first nature-themed airport terminal.

How Much Traffic Can Guwahati Airport Handle Now?

Guwahati Airport hit a record 7.01 million passengers in calendar year 2025, growing 7.67% year-on-year to become India’s 10th busiest airport (AAI Traffic Statistics, 2025). With T2’s additional 10 million capacity, the airport is prepared for the traffic surge that Northeast India’s tourism and economic growth are driving.

Current Route Network

Guwahati currently connects to 21 domestic destinations and 3 international destinations — Bangkok, Paro (Bhutan), and Singapore. That international network is small but strategically chosen: Bangkok and Singapore cater to the growing outbound leisure market, while Paro serves Bhutan’s niche tourism corridor.

Daily aircraft movements now exceed 130, with capacity for 34 movements per hour. That’s the highest air traffic rate in Northeast India. No other airport in the seven sister states comes close.

Cargo Growth

Cargo traffic hit 12,893 metric tonnes in FY 2024-25 — a staggering 183.91% year-on-year growth (AAI, 2025). This surge reflects growing demand for airfreight of Assam tea, organic produce, and e-commerce deliveries across the Northeast. The MRO facilities planned as part of the Rs 5,000 crore development will further position Guwahati as an aviation hub.

International passenger numbers reached 91,594 in FY 2024-25. That figure is modest compared to metro airports, but it represents a meaningful baseline. As more international routes are added from T2, this number should grow significantly.

Guwahati Airport handled 7.01 million passengers in calendar year 2025, a record high making it India’s 10th busiest airport. With T2 operational, combined T1+T2 capacity reaches 13.1 million by 2032. The airport connects to 21 domestic and 3 international destinations with 130+ daily aircraft movements (AAI, 2025).

How to Reach Guwahati Airport T2?

T2 is located adjacent to the existing T1 at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, approximately 25 km from Guwahati city centre (AAI, 2026). Getting there is straightforward — the same road that leads to T1 now has clear signage directing passengers to T2. There’s no separate access road, so you won’t get lost.

From Guwahati Railway Station, the drive takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, Ola, and Uber all operate on this route. If you’re arriving from Paltan Bazar or Fancy Bazar, budget slightly less time — around 35 minutes.

Which terminal should you go to? Check your airline. If you’re flying Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, Air India, or Air India Express — head to T2. For IndiGo and any airline not yet moved, T1 is still your terminal. When in doubt, check your boarding pass or call your airline’s helpline before leaving for the airport.

How to Book Flights to Guwahati’s New Terminal T2?

Guwahati Airport now handles over 130 daily flights across both terminals, with fares starting from under Rs 3,500 on several domestic routes (HappyFares, March 2026). Booking early — typically 3-6 weeks ahead — gives you the best shot at lower fares, especially for popular routes like Delhi-Guwahati and Mumbai-Guwahati.

The easiest way to compare fares across all airlines flying to Guwahati is through HappyFares. You can see Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo fares side by side and pick the best deal for your dates.

Tips for Getting the Best Fares

• Book 3-6 weeks in advance for domestic routes to Guwahati — last-minute fares on this route can spike 2-3x
• Consider Akasa Air for Mumbai-Guwahati — they operate the inaugural T2 route and often have competitive introductory pricing
• Fly mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) for consistently lower fares vs weekend departures
• Set fare alerts on HappyFares to get notified when prices drop on your preferred route
• Check Air India Express if you’re flying from Kolkata — they now run 17 daily flights from T2

HappyFares founder Shanti Jain booked the inaugural Akasa Air Mumbai-Guwahati flight through HappyFares and was the first passenger to arrive at T2. “I always tell our users to book early on popular routes,” Shanti says. “For that inaugural flight, we had our tickets locked in weeks ahead. The fare was very reasonable for what turned out to be a historic flight.”

What Is the Construction History Behind Guwahati Airport T2?

The terminal took nearly 8 years from foundation to commercial launch, with the original AAI budget of Rs 1,232 crore eventually rising to Rs 2,000 crore for the terminal alone (PIB, 2025). The broader development — including MRO facilities, taxiways, and apron expansion — pushed total investment to Rs 5,000 crore. Here’s how the project unfolded.

Project Timeline

Date	Milestone
January 2018	Foundation stone laid
March 2018	Construction started
October 2021	Adani Airport Holdings takes over on 50-year lease
December 20, 2025	Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi
February 22, 2026	Commercial operations begin (Akasa Air inaugural flight)
March 1, 2026	Alliance Air completes shift to T2
March 16, 2026	Air India and Air India Express begin T2 operations

Why did the cost nearly double? Several factors played a role. The pandemic slowed construction during 2020-21. Material costs rose across the board. And the scope expanded — the Sky Forest, the bamboo architectural elements, and the green infrastructure (rainwater harvesting, solar power, wastewater recycling) weren’t in the original bare-bones plan. The result is a terminal that costs more but delivers a significantly richer passenger experience.

The handover to Adani in October 2021 also changed the project’s trajectory. Under private operation, the terminal development accelerated, and the retail and food court strategy was redesigned to include local Assamese brands alongside national chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which airlines currently fly from Guwahati Airport Terminal T2?
As of March 2026, five airlines operate from T2: Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, Air India, and Air India Express. Akasa Air started on February 22, 2026. SpiceJet moved to T2 on March 1. Alliance Air moved on March 1. Air India and Air India Express began T2 operations on March 16. IndiGo hasn’t announced a transition date yet.

Q: Does Guwahati Airport T2 support Digi Yatra?
Yes. Terminal T2 has Digi Yatra e-gates for contactless entry and security clearance using facial recognition. Download the Digi Yatra app and register before your trip. It can save you 15-20 minutes during peak hours compared to regular queues.

Q: What is the Sky Forest at Guwahati Airport?
The Sky Forest is a 90-foot indoor rainforest inside T2, containing approximately 1 lakh plants from 100 local Northeast Indian species. Designed by architect Nuru Karim, it makes Guwahati India’s first nature-themed airport. The terminal also features 57 orchid-inspired columns and 140+ tonnes of bamboo.

Q: How many passengers can Guwahati Airport T2 handle?
T2 alone has an annual capacity of 10 million passengers. Combined with T1, the airport’s total capacity reaches 13.1 million by 2032. Peak hour throughput is 4,500 passengers (4,300 domestic + 200 international). The terminal spans 1,40,000 square metres with 64 check-in counters.

Q: What food options are available inside Guwahati T2?
T2 has diverse dining options: Khorika (authentic Assamese thali), Goodwyn Tea (premium Assam teas), Zesto (pasta and momos), Costa Coffee, Masala Kitchen (Indian food), Domino’s, Wow Chicken/Wow Momo, Cococart (chocolates), and Flying Bites (burgers and Maggi). Domestic and international lounges are open 24/7.

Q: How much did Guwahati Airport Terminal T2 cost?
The terminal cost approximately Rs 2,000 crore, revised upward from the original AAI estimate of Rs 1,232 crore. Total development investment — including MRO facilities and infrastructure upgrades — is Rs 5,000 crore. Adani Airport Holdings operates the airport on a 50-year lease since October 2021.

Q: How do I book flights to Guwahati Airport T2?
Search and compare fares across all airlines flying to Guwahati on HappyFares. You’ll see Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Alliance Air, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo options side by side. Book 3-6 weeks early for the best domestic fares, and consider mid-week travel for lower prices.

Conclusion: Guwahati Airport T2 Sets a New Standard for Northeast India

Guwahati Airport’s Terminal T2 “The Bamboo Orchids” isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade — it’s a signal that Northeast India is ready for the next stage of aviation growth. With capacity for 10 million passengers annually, 64 check-in counters, Digi Yatra e-gates, and India’s first indoor rainforest at an airport, T2 sets a benchmark that few Indian airports can match on design and passenger experience.

Five airlines already operate from T2, with more expected to transition in the coming months. The terminal’s green credentials — 20 million litres of rainwater harvested annually, 80% wastewater recycling, solar power — show that world-class infrastructure and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

HappyFares founder Shanti Jain was the first passenger to arrive at T2 on February 22, 2026. “This terminal changes how people will think about flying to the Northeast,” Shanti observed. “It’s not just functional — it makes you proud to land in Assam.”

Disclaimer: Terminal assignments and airline transition dates are current as of March 15, 2026 and may change. Always check your airline’s latest terminal information before heading to the airport. Fare information is indicative and varies by route, date, and booking class.