Confirm Your Terminal Before Travel
The most critical step for any traveller is to verify which terminal their flight will use. Operations are moving from the old Terminal 1 to the new Terminal 2 in a phased manner. This means that an airline that used T1 last month might be operating from T2
now. Do not rely on past experience. Always check your latest booking confirmation, boarding pass, or the airline's official app for the most current terminal information for your specific flight number. If there's any ambiguity, contact your airline directly before heading to the airport. This simple check can save you from the stress of being at the wrong building with limited time.
For Passengers: A New, Tech-Forward Journey
The new terminal is designed to offer a smoother, more modern travel experience. It is equipped with DigiYatra for seamless, contactless entry and security checks using facial recognition. To take advantage of this, register on the DigiYatra app before your trip. The terminal also features 20 self-check-in kiosks and 16 self-baggage drop points to help you skip long queues. For security, advanced CT baggage scanners are being used, which means you may not need to remove laptops and liquids from your hand baggage. However, with a much larger space to navigate, it is wise to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three to four hours for international departures to allow ample time.
For Businesses: Cargo and Commercial Opportunities
The expansion significantly boosts the airport's commercial capabilities. The new terminal increases the airport's annual passenger capacity to 13.1 million, creating a massive customer base for retail and F&B businesses. These services are being introduced in stages. For logistics and trade, the expansion is a game-changer. There is a dedicated Air Cargo Terminal for perishable goods, featuring infrastructure for cold storage, X-ray scanning, and customs clearance, designed to boost trade for the region. The old Terminal 1 is also slated to be upgraded into a full-fledged cargo hub, further enhancing the airport's capacity to handle goods. Businesses involved in shipping should verify the new procedures and warehousing options available.
Understanding the Scale and Design
The new terminal is not just an upgrade; it is a massive expansion designed to establish Guwahati as the primary aviation gateway to Northeast India and a link to Southeast Asia. The airport now connects to 21 domestic and three international destinations. The design itself is a talking point, inspired by Assam's state flower, the Kopou Phool (foxtail orchid), and makes extensive use of local bamboo, reflecting the region's cultural heritage. With a nature-themed aesthetic, a 'Sky Forest' with thousands of plants, and interiors celebrating local craftsmanship, the terminal aims to provide a unique sense of place.
Key Operational Changes to Note
The transition to the new terminal began in February 2026, after the inauguration in December 2025. The first flights to operate from the new facility were an Akasa Air arrival from Mumbai and subsequent services by airlines like Air India and Air India Express, which shifted their operations in March 2026. While many domestic flights now use T2, international flights may continue to use the old terminal during the transition period. All airport systems, including baggage handling, security, and airline coordination, underwent extensive live trials before the launch to ensure a smooth switch. Travellers should still anticipate a brief learning curve as both staff and passengers adapt to the new layout and procedures.
