The new terminal at Lokpriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati is scheduled to begin operations on February 22, state officials said. The announcement was made by the Chief Minister of Assam, who indicated that the facility will open to passengers on that date. The terminal forms part of a broader effort to upgrade aviation infrastructure in the region. The facility is expected to offer enhanced passenger amenities and streamlined movement across terminals.

The integrated Terminal-2 building was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 20 December last year and was constructed at a cost of Rs 40 billion (Rs 40 bn). The facility has been designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually (13.1 mn), representing a substantial increase in capacity compared with the existing terminal. A 80-foot statue of the airport's namesake was also unveiled at the inaugural event. The investment reflects a major push to modernise airport capacity in the northeast.

Officials said domestic and international operations are expected to transfer to the new terminal by March, after which the older terminal will be repurposed as a dedicated cargo hub to strengthen logistics and freight handling. The Chief Minister described the transformation as the realisation of a strategic vision to improve connectivity and economic prospects for Assam. He added that the upgraded gateway would enhance passenger experience and present a modern face for the state. Officials outlined phased migration plans to minimise disruption to flight schedules.

The commencement of commercial activity at the new terminal is anticipated to streamline airport operations and reduce congestion during peak periods. Authorities expect the added capacity and cargo focus to support regional trade, tourism and employment without altering existing carrier schedules in the short term. The development is set to position Guwahati as a more prominent aviation node in the northeast. Local authorities said the new capacity should stimulate ancillary services and provide new opportunities for logistics firms.