Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) guide — the new T2 'Bamboo Orchids' terminal, taxi to the city, and the busiest routes from the Northeast's main gateway. Reviewed 2026.
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Quick answer: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) at Borjhar is Northeast India's busiest gateway, about 25 km west of central Guwahati (Paltan Bazar), roughly 45-60 minutes by road depending on traffic. It is Adani-operated and now runs across two terminals during a phased transition: the large new integrated Terminal 2 (the bamboo-themed 'Bamboo Orchids' building) handling most domestic carriers, and the older terminal still used by some airlines. The one thing to know: confirm whether your specific airline departs from T1 or T2 before you leave, as moves are still being finalised; check the official airport site.
Last reviewed July 2026 by the FlightGPT flights desk · airport facts cross-checked against the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the airport operator · live Guwahati fares are found in the FlightGPT search above.
GAU operates two terminals while migrating to the new facility. The new integrated Terminal 2, inaugurated December 2025 and opened for commercial flights in early 2026, is a large bamboo-and-orchid-themed building with aerobridges, self-baggage drop and Digi Yatra e-gates, and now hosts most domestic operations. The older terminal continued serving some carriers during the changeover. Main airlines include IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Alliance Air. Airline-to-terminal assignments are still settling, so verify your terminal on the official airport website before travel.
GAU is dominated by IndiGo, with Air India and Air India Express, Akasa Air, SpiceJet and Alliance Air also operating. It is the main hub for flights across the Northeast (Imphal, Agartala, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Aizawl, Dimapur, Lilabari) plus metros like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru. International service is limited and changeable — historically including Southeast/South Asian links such as Bangkok; verify current international routes on the airport's official site.
Guwahati offers paid/airline lounge access for premium and eligible card holders, and the new Terminal 2 expands premium passenger amenities. As the airport completes its terminal transition, the exact lounge operators, locations and access rules (Priority Pass, card-network and pay-per-use eligibility) are best confirmed on the official airport website or your lounge programme before you fly, since offerings in the new terminal are still being rolled out.
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GAU is running two terminals during its transition to the new integrated Terminal 2. Most domestic carriers have moved to T2, but assignments were still being finalised. Always check your airline's confirmation and the official airport website before leaving for the airport.
For domestic flights, arrive about 2 to 2.5 hours before departure, and around 3 hours for any international service. Allow extra buffer during the terminal transition, peak morning/evening banks, and on busy festival travel days.
Yes, the airport has car parking with short-stay drop-off and longer-stay options, expanded with the new terminal. Rates and structure can change, so check current parking charges on the official airport site rather than relying on older figures.
The new Terminal 2 significantly expanded dining and retail, with cafes, food outlets and shops; the older terminal has more basic options. Choices vary by terminal and airside/landside location, so allow time after security.
Free passenger Wi-Fi is generally available, typically requiring a one-time OTP sent to your mobile number. Connectivity and time limits can vary, especially across the two terminals; ask at an information desk if you have trouble.
Shared sumos and private taxis to Shillong (Meghalaya) and cars to Kaziranga National Park are available from the airport, with prepaid taxis the easiest to arrange. For fixed rates and current journey times, confirm with the prepaid counter on arrival.
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