Assam’s Heritage Shines: Guwahati Airport’s New Terminal 2 Earns International Design Honour

Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has been recognised with the International Architectural Award 2025 in the Airports and Transport Centres category. This accolade, awarded annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in partnership with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and Metropolitan Arts Press, Ltd, highlights the airport as one of only seven worldwide to receive distinction for architectural quality and urban design.

A Modern Gateway Reflecting Assam’s Identity

Guwahati Airport’s new Terminal 2 reflects Assam’s cultural heritage through the use of bamboo, orchids, and traditional gamocha motifs. The terminal covers 140,000 sq m and has the capacity to handle 13 million passengers annually, a sixfold increase from the previous facility. A prominent feature, the Sky Forest, introduces Assam’s natural greenery into the terminal, offering passengers a calm and refreshing environment.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the terminal operates on solar power, incorporates water recycling systems, and maximises natural lighting. Additionally, technology such as CT baggage scanners and Digi Yatra e-gates aim to improve efficiency and streamline the passenger experience.

It integrates a range of sustainable features, including a green roof, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting.

The airport’s official social media account announced the award, stating, "We are proud to announce that the brand new #GuwahatiAirport T2 has been honoured with the International Architectural Award 2025 in the Transport category."

In describing the terminal’s design, the statement added, "A tribute to the wonders of Northeast India, the infrastructure is inspired by the resilience of bamboo and the grace of foxtail orchids."

About The Terminal

Guwahati International Airport, situated in Assam, is a crucial gateway connecting the Northeast to India and beyond. Operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, the airport is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment to upgrade its facilities, enhance passenger services, and support growing traffic volumes.

The terminal’s infrastructure has been upgraded to enhance operational capacity, featuring elevated traffic lanes, ten contact stands, 22 remote stands, and a modernised taxiway.

About The Award

The International Architecture Awards, presented annually by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, recognise outstanding architectural design worldwide. Established in 2005, these awards are among the most prestigious and comprehensive in the field, celebrating achievements in new buildings, landscape architecture, urban planning, and interior design.

Alongside Guwahati Airport, other international projects recognised in the Airports and Transportation Centres category include the Solar Bike Shed at Gare du Nord in Paris, Portland International Airport in Oregon, the Gadeokdo New Airport Design Competition in South Korea, Changi Airport Terminal 2 in Singapore, Urban Sprouts/Smart Green Parking in Rome, and the Gadeokdo New Airport in Busan, South Korea.