Guwahati is now on the global design map. The new Terminal 2 of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has won the prestigious International Architectural Award 2025 in the Airports and Transport Centres category. This recognition places it alongside some of the world’s best-designed transport hubs and shines a spotlight on Northeast India’s cultural richness and modern aspirations.
The award, presented by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design in collaboration with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, is a major endorsement of how architecture can blend tradition with innovation. Guwahati’s terminal does exactly that.
The terminal covers a massive 140,000 square metres and is designed to handle up to 13 million passengers annually. But it is not just about numbers. The space brings Assam’s natural and cultural beauty into the experience of every traveller. From the moment passengers enter, they are greeted with elements like bamboo structures, foxtail orchids, and motifs inspired by the traditional gamocha. A standout feature is the Sky Forest, which recreates the region’s greenery inside the terminal and offers a calm oasis amid the usual airport hustle.
The terminal is built with sustainability at its core. It uses solar power, recycles water, and maximises daylight to reduce energy usage. It also includes rainwater harvesting systems and a green roof. Advanced technology like CT baggage scanners and Digi Yatra e-gates ensures that efficiency matches the elegance.
This upgraded terminal is not just a new building. It marks a shift in how regional airports are being developed in India. Guwahati Airport, operated by Adani Airport Holdings, is a crucial gateway connecting the Northeast to the rest of the country and beyond. With new taxiways, elevated traffic lanes, contact stands and remote stands, the airport is now equipped to support the growing volume of travel in and out of the region.
The recognition comes at a time when airports are increasingly expected to offer more than just functionality. Guwahati’s Terminal 2 shows that infrastructure can also be a storytelling platform. It pays tribute to the resilience of bamboo and the elegance of the orchid, while embracing the future with technology and sustainability.
For Northeast India, this award is not just about an airport. It is about being seen, respected and celebrated on a global stage.
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