Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide (Guwahati Historical Sites)

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA), situated in Borjhar, Guwahati, Assam, is the principal air gateway to Northeast India. Serving as a conduit between this culturally vibrant and geographically diverse region and major domestic and international destinations, LGBIA is more than just a transit point—it is a testament to Assam’s progress and rich heritage (acko.com, linkedin.com). Named after Assam’s first Chief Minister and noted freedom fighter, the airport is a symbol of the state’s aspirations and historical significance.

With recent expansions, including a newly inaugurated terminal in early 2025 and another state-of-the-art terminal scheduled for late 2025 as part of a ₹2,000 crore upgrade, LGBIA is equipped to provide a world-class travel experience (ssmb.in, infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com). The airport boasts advanced facilities such as DigiYatra biometric gates, extensive passenger amenities, and direct connections to Southeast Asia and Bhutan (economictimes.indiatimes.com).

This guide covers LGBIA’s history, terminal infrastructure, passenger services, accessibility, transport options, the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Monument, and nearby historical attractions—ensuring travelers have all the information needed for a smooth and enriching journey (flyairports.com, airportdetails.de).

Historical Overview and Development
Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information
How to Access the Airport
Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Accessibility and Special Facilities
Terminal Infrastructure
Passenger Processing and Security
Passenger Amenities and Services
Ground Transportation and Parking
Additional Facilities
Sustainability and Design
Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Monument: Visiting Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
Reliable Sources and Official Links

Historical Overview and Development

Origins and Early Years (1958–2002)

Opened in 1958 as Guwahati Airport, the facility played a pivotal role in connecting the Northeast with India’s key cities (acko.com).

Renaming and Honoring a Regional Icon (2002)

In 2002, the airport was renamed after Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi, acknowledging his leadership and contributions to Assam’s identity (linkedin.com).

Expansion and Modernization (2000s–2020s)

Modernization efforts have transformed LGBIA into a major international hub, with new terminals, extended runways, and tech-forward passenger processing. The airport now facilitates flights to Southeast Asia, Bhutan, and beyond (flyairports.com).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information

Operating Hours: 24x7, with services aligned to scheduled flights.
Tickets: Bookable via airline websites, travel agents, or online platforms. No entry fee for the terminal; lounge access may require a separate pass.
Lounges: Access based on airline class, lounge memberships, or paid entry.

How to Access the Airport

By Road: ~20 km from Guwahati city center. Taxis, app-based cabs, and shuttles are widely available.
By Public Transport: Local buses and shared taxis connect the airport to various locations.
Parking: Short-term and long-term parking are provided for private vehicles.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Arrive 2 hours before domestic, 3 hours before international flights.
Keep identification and travel documents handy.
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi, lounges, and retail outlets.
Airport staff at information counters are ready to assist.
Wheelchair assistance and accessible services are available.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Hotels: Range from budget to luxury, both near the airport and in Guwahati city.
Tourist Spots: Kaziranga National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, Majuli Island, Sivasagar.
Transport Services: Car rentals, taxis, and tours can be arranged at the airport.

Accessibility and Special Facilities

Wheelchair Assistance: On request, with priority boarding.
Accessible Infrastructure: Ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and reserved parking.
Special Check-in Counters: For passengers with disabilities.

Terminal Infrastructure

Terminal Buildings and Expansion

Current Terminal: Redeveloped in early 2025, expanded from 270 to 1,000 sqm, with 900 sqm additional walkways (ssmb.in).
New Terminal: Opening in late 2025, ₹2,000 crore investment, designed for increased capacity (infra.economictimes.indiatimes.com).

Runway and Airside Facilities

Runway: Single, 3,110 meters, accommodating civil and military flights (apaoindia.com).
Flight Destinations: Domestic and international, including Paro, Malaysia, and Singapore (economictimes.indiatimes.com).

Entry, Exit, and Traffic Flow

Improvements: Entry lanes expanded from 8 to 14, departure lanes from 3 to 4 for better vehicle flow (ssmb.in).

Passenger Processing and Security

DigiYatra Technology: Four new biometric gates for rapid check-in and boarding.
Security Screening: Expanded to 450 sqm, with more queues and updated facilities (ssmb.in).
Immigration & Customs: Dedicated facilities for international travelers (economictimes.indiatimes.com).

Passenger Amenities and Services

Lounges: Comfortable areas for rest; access policies vary (airportdetails.de).
Wi-Fi: Complimentary throughout the terminal.
Medical Facilities: 24x7 Health Care Centre and Medical Clinic, with APHO support (india-evisa.it.com).
Prayer Rooms: Multifaith spaces for spiritual needs.
Retail & Dining: Shops for essentials, souvenirs, and diverse food options.
Gardens & Aesthetics: New gardens and a 140-meter architectural wall enhance the terminal’s environment (ssmb.in).

Ground Transportation and Parking

Taxi & App-Based Cabs: Pre-paid taxi counters and services like Ola/Uber (india-evisa.it.com).
Bus Services: Nearest bus stand ~11 km away; connect via taxi or cab.
Parking: 24x7 short-term and long-term parking, with designated pick-up/drop-off points.

Additional Facilities

Information Desks: In both arrivals and departures; staff provide travel and local guidance (india-evisa.it.com).
Sleeping & Accommodation: Basic overnight facilities; nearby hotels recommended (airportdetails.de).
Cargo Handling: Notable growth, with over 180% increase, making LGBIA a regional logistics hub (economictimes.indiatimes.com).

Sustainability and Design

Green Initiatives: Emphasis on landscaped gardens, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly architectural elements (ssmb.in).

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Monument: Visiting Guide

History and Significance

Located within the airport, the monument honors Assam’s first Chief Minister and his pivotal role in the state’s progress. The statue is accompanied by plaques and a small museum with artifacts from Assam’s freedom movement (airportdetails.de).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry: Free. Guided tours (30–45 minutes) are available for a nominal fee; book via the airport website or information desk.

Guided Tours & Visitor Experience

Guided tours offer historical context and access to the museum.

Nearby Historical Sites

Kamakhya Temple: Iconic Hindu shrine.
Assam State Museum: Regional history and art.
Umananda Temple: Smallest river island temple.
Guwahati Planetarium: Astronomy shows.

Accessibility and Amenities

Wheelchair Access: Ramps and seating available.
Facilities: Restrooms, refreshment kiosks, and souvenir shops.

Tips for Visitors

Visit during daylight for best experience.
Explore airport art installations.
Check for special events or commemorations online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the airport’s operating hours?
A: 24/7, aligned with flight schedules.

Q: How can I book tickets?
A: Online via airlines or agents.

Q: Are there accessible facilities?
A: Yes, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and dedicated counters.

Q: Is free Wi-Fi available?
A: Yes, throughout the terminal.

Q: What are the transport options?
A: Taxis, app-based cabs, shuttles, and public buses.

Q: Is there duty-free shopping?
A: No, currently there are no duty-free outlets.

Q: Can I stay overnight in the terminal?
A: Facilities are basic; nearby hotels offer more comfort.

Q: Is photography allowed at the monument?
A: Yes, but drones/professional gear need prior approval.

Summary and Recommendations

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is a modern, accessible, and culturally significant gateway to Northeast India. Its continual upgrades, advanced facilities, and commitment to sustainability make it a comfortable and efficient transit hub. The unique Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Monument within the airport offers visitors an opportunity to engage with Assam’s history and heritage.

Travel Recommendations: