The Guwahati airport is set to inaugurate its new integrated terminal building this year, addressing the growing passenger traffic. Despite the existing infrastructure handling 5.6 million passengers last year, officials revealed that this figure is nearing the airport's full capacity. Of the total passengers, approximately 2.9 million arrived, and 2.7 million departed.
With a remarkable 17% increase in passenger footfall compared to 2022, officials emphasised the necessity of opening the new terminal to ensure a seamless experience for travellers. The airport, the largest in the northeast, faced capacity constraints, with the current limit at 6 million passengers annually. However, once the new terminal is operational, the capacity will increase to 13 million.
The spokesperson for the airport highlighted the advanced technology and ample capacity of the upcoming terminal, describing it as a game-changer for air transportation in the region. In 2023, the airport recorded a significant growth of 10 lakhs in passenger numbers, marking a 17% increase, one of the highest in the country, according to Utpal Baruah, the chief airport officer.
Baruah expressed satisfaction in managing such volume with a terminal operating at less than half its capacity. Anticipation surrounds the commissioning of the new terminal, expected to double the airport's current capacity. Last year, Guwahati gained flight connectivity to Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar, and Bangkok, with expectations of more domestic and international destinations being added in 2024.
In 2023, the airport handled approximately 46,600 aircraft movements, with around 23,300 arrivals and departures each. This marked a notable increase from the approximately 41,000 movements recorded in 2022. The highest single-day passenger footfall in 2023 was recorded on December 24, reaching 19,290.
