All About Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (GAU): Complete Guide

Here’s a snapshot of what makes Guwahati Airport stand out:

• IATA code: GAU – This code is essential for passengers, appearing on tickets, boarding passes and baggage tags, making it easy to identify Guwahati Airport across airlines and travel platforms.
• ICAO code: VEGT – Used primarily by pilots and air traffic controllers, this code ensures precise coordination and safe navigation for both domestic and international flights.
• Location: The airport is located in Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam 781015, around 20 kilometers from the city center. Its convenient location makes it accessible via taxis, buses, ride-hailing apps and private vehicles, typically taking 30–45 minutes to reach the heart of Guwahati, depending on traffic.
• Flight tracker: Travellers can check real-time flight updates through airline portals, including IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet. With this, you can easily track arrivals, departures and potential delays, making your travel planning stress-free and more predictable.
• Airlines: Guwahati Airport is served by a mix of domestic carriers like IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet, along with international airlines including Thai AirAsia and Drukair. Passengers can fly conveniently to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata, as well as international destinations like Singapore and Dhaka.
• Terminals: The airport has two terminals, one of them is dedicated to domestic flights and the other for international routes. Terminal 1 has been operational since 1958, handling millions of passengers annually while the modern Terminal 2, currently under construction is expected to open by late 2025. It will offer larger capacity, more check-in counters, aerobridges and state-of-the-art facilities for a seamless travel experience.
• Annual passenger traffic: Handling over 5.6 million passengers in 2023, Guwahati Airport ranks among the busiest airports in India. Despite rising traffic, the airport maintains smooth operations thanks to its organised check-ins, efficient baggage handling and well-structured boarding processes.
• Runway: The 3,110-meter runway is designed to accommodate hugebody aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787. Equipped with CAT-III Instrument Landing System (ILS), DVOR/DME and PAPI lights, it allows safe takeoffs and landings during night or challenging weather conditions, ensuring operational reliability throughout the year.

With such robust infrastructure, it’s no wonder that Guwahati Airport flights are a convenient choice for travellers connecting to major Indian cities and international destinations like Bangkok, Singapore and Dhaka.

Guwahati Airport has a story that’s as rich as the region it serves. Established in 1958, the airport was named after Gopinath Bordoloi is the first CM of Assam after India’s independence and a revered freedom fighter.

Over the decades, the airport has evolved from a modest airstrip to Northeast India’s premier aviation hub. A key milestone came in 2002 when Air India operated the first international flight from Guwahati to Bangkok. Although it was temporarily withdrawn due to low passenger numbers, this service had marked the airport’s initial entry into international aviation. Since then, the airport has consistently been experiencing rapid growth:

2017: It carried over 3.7 million passengers, which was representing a 36% increase from the previous year.

2018–19: It handled 5.7 million passengers along with 55,066 aircraft movements.

2023: The airport had handled 5.6 million passengers and 46,600 aircraft movements.

In 2019, the Adani Group won the bid to lease the airport for 50 years, signalling a new era of modernisation. With international flight options expanding under the UDAN Scheme, destinations like Dhaka, Bangkok–Don Mueang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Yangon are now on the radar for travellers flying from Guwahati.

Fun fact: The airport is also an Indian Air Force base, blending civilian and military aviation in a unique way.

Terminal 1: The Heart of Guwahati Airport

Terminal 1 is the original passenger terminal and has been serving travellers since 1958. It spans 28,685 m² and has three levels:

• Ground floor: Arrivals
• Mezzanine: Boarding area
• Third floor: Departures

The terminal has four aerobridges and can handle 6 million passengers annually, accommodating around 20,000 passengers during peak hours. It also houses cargo terminals, storage areas, an air traffic control tower, a fire station, a fuel station and a technical block.

Terminal 2: The Future is Here

To cope with rising passenger demand, Terminal 2 has been under construction since 2018 and is expected to open by late 2025. Once operational, it will handle:

• 4,300 domestic passengers during peak hours
• 200 international passengers during peak hours
• Around 10 million passengers annually

Terminal 2 will feature 64 check-in counters, 20 self-check-in kiosks, 10 aerobridges, multiple elevators, escalators, baggage claim counters, retail stores, souvenir shops and modern passenger-friendly facilities. Sustainability is also a focus with green spaces, solar power plants and advanced wastewater treatment systems being integrated.

Runway & Aprons

Guwahati Airport’s runway measures 3,110 meters in length and 60 meters in width, equipped with CAT-III ILS, DVOR/DME and PAPI lights. This allows smooth operations even in heavy rain or fog. Two aprons accommodate 25 narrowbody aircraft, supporting airlines like IndiGo, Air India and Thai AirAsia.

The combination of Terminals, apron space and a modern runway ensures efficient operations for domestic and international flights from Guwahati.

Guwahati Airport serves a wide range of airlines and destinations.

Domestic Flights

• Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir
• Popular routes: Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata
• Flight frequency: IndiGo operates over 150 non-stop weekly flights connecting Guwahati to major Indian cities

International Flights

• Airlines: Thai AirAsia, Drukair
• Destinations: Bangkok–Don Mueang, Singapore, Dhaka
• With the expansion under UDAN, more international routes are expected soon

Whether you’re booking Guwahati flight tickets for domestic trips or international connections, the airport provides flexible options with multiple airlines and timings.

Travelling through Guwahati Airport is smooth thanks to modern facilities and services:

• Lounges for relaxation and comfort
• Check-in counters and self-service kiosks
• Immigration and customs for international passengers
• Baggage handling and porter services
• Restaurants, cafés and duty-free shops
• Free WiFi and cyber café
• Assistance for senior citizens and differently-abled travellers
• Medical facilities, transit rooms and car rentals
• Parking facilities with ample space for vehicles

All these services ensure passengers have a hassle-free experience while waiting for their Guwahati Airport flights.

While waiting for your flight, Guwahati Airport gives plenty of ways to pass the time and enjoy yourself:

• Shopping: You can find souvenirs, traditional handicrafts and jewellery.
• Dining: Enjoy cafés, restaurants and snack kiosks.
• Relaxation: Take advantage of lounges, cyber café and family-friendly areas.

Nearby Hotels

• If you’re staying overnight or have a layover, there are multiple hotels near the airport that cater to all budgets:
• Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati – This is a luxury option, ₹25,000/night
• Treebo Arna Residency – It is a mid-range option, ₹2,055/night
• Hotel Royal Heritage – This is budget-friendly, ₹2,143/night

Tip: Booking cheap flight tickets to Guwahati via FlightsMojo can help you to save money and ensure convenience.

Guwahati Airport has embraced eco-friendly initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint:

• The solar power plant generates electricity for airport operations.
• There are rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment systems in place.
• Green spaces are maintained to improved aesthetics and air quality.
• Underground drainage is provided to handle monsoon water efficiently.

The upcoming Terminal 2 will be further enhance these features, thus creating a sustainable and modern aviation hub in Northeast India.

To make your journey through Guwahati Airport smooth and enjoyable:

• Arrive early: At least 2–3 hours before domestic flights and 3–4 hours for international flights
• Use online check-in: Save time and skip queues
• Transport: Taxis, buses and private cars are readily available to reach Guwahati city
• Booking tips: Use FlightsMojo to book Guwahati flight tickets at competitive rates
• Connectivity: Check the airport flight tracker for real-time updates

Guwahati Airport is more than just an entry point as it’s a gateway to the rich culture, scenic landscapes and vibrant cities of Assam and Northeast India. With modern terminals, sustainable initiatives, seamless passenger services and growing domestic and international connectivity, it stands out as a world-class airport in Northeast India.

Whether you’re flying for business, leisure or adventure, booking your Guwahati flight tickets via FlightsMojo ensures convenience, affordability and peace of mind. From bustling terminals to relaxing lounges, sustainable facilities and nearby hotels, Guwahati Airport makes every journey memorable from the moment you arrive.