Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has achieved global recognition by securing the International Architectural Award 2025 in the Transport category. This prestigious honour, presented by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in collaboration with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press ltd., places the airport among just seven worldwide airports acknowledged for outstanding architectural excellence and visionary urban planning.
A gateway to northeast India’s future
Located in Assam, the airport is a vital aviation hub connecting the Northeast region to major Indian cities and international destinations. Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, it has been undergoing an ambitious redevelopment to accommodate growing passenger demand, modernise infrastructure, and deliver an enhanced travel experience. The new Terminal 2 (T2) is the centrepiece of this transformation.
Architecture inspired by nature and Assamese culture
The airport’s official social media announcement described the new design as “a tribute to the wonders of Northeast India”. Its architecture draws inspiration from the strength of bamboo and the delicate beauty of the foxtail orchid-both symbolic of the region’s resilience and grace. This thematic design reflects Assam’s biodiversity, cultural richness, and natural landscapes, blending modern functionality with regional identity.
Sustainable design at the core
The award-winning terminal was crafted with a clear focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Key eco-friendly features include:
1. Open-plan layouts with skylights to maximise daylight and reduce artificial lighting needs.
2. Indoor gardens and vertical green walls to improve air quality and create a refreshing environment.
3. A unique ‘arrival forest’-a lush, greenery-filled space with ambient skylighting that offers passengers a serene transition from the runway to the terminal.
4. Advanced baggage handling systems and passenger flow designs to ensure smoother operations.
Capacity and vision
With the ability to handle 10 million passengers annually, the redeveloped terminal is not just an infrastructural upgrade- it is a symbol of the Northeast’s emergence as a modern travel hub. The project merges sustainability with soul, creating a world-class facility that welcomes travellers into the cultural heart of the region.
The International Architectural Award 2025 cements Guwahati Airport’s position as a model for eco-conscious, culturally rooted airport design on a global stage.
