Guwahati, Feb 23: Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday described the newly operational terminal at Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport as a “giant symbol of a new and emerging Assam,” as the facility welcomed its first batch of passengers.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister said the new terminal reflects the state’s preparedness to embrace opportunities linked to the vision of a developed India. A video shared by him showed the inauguration event attended by Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airports.

The Chief Minister personally greeted arriving passengers at the terminal in Guwahati and highlighted the speed at which the project became operational. The facility was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025, and began operations within two months.

Congratulating the airport operator and residents of Assam, Sarma said the new infrastructure is expected to strengthen connectivity and enhance passenger experience in the Northeast region. He also acknowledged investment commitments made during Advantage Assam 2.0 and expressed appreciation to industrialist Gautam Adani for supporting large-scale development initiatives in the state.

According to officials, the terminal has been designed to reflect Assamese cultural elements while modernising aviation infrastructure. The Chief Minister said improved airport facilities are expected to contribute to tourism growth and economic activity.

Jeet Adani stated that the expansion represents a long-term infrastructure investment aligned with national development goals and the state government’s efforts to position Assam as an economic hub in the Northeast.

With the new facility operational, the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity has increased to 13.1 million, strengthening its role as a major aviation gateway connecting the Northeast with other parts of India as well as South and Southeast Asia.