Guwahati

If you are transiting through the Terminal 2 of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which appears like an oversized bamboo forest from a distance, the airport itself feels like a destination.

With its striking design inspired by Assam's natural beauty and cultural heritage, the imposing terminal blends modern engineering with traditional craftsmanship.

Guwahati's airport -- gateway to the Northeast -- offers an array of modern amenities and facilities to passengers, but what makes its new Terminal 2 stand out is its nature-themed architecture -- a sheer delight to the eyes.

The design of the terminal -- aptly christened 'The Bamboo Orchids' -- has been inspired by 'kopou phool' and local bamboo of the region.

Giant concrete columns clad with a layer of material that lends the airport the nature-themed look, welcome departing passengers as they make their way to the airport for their next destination.

Complementing these artistic pillars are the gates leading to the impressive departure lounge, which have giant digital screens mounted around each of them, on which images of nature play in loop, elevating both the standard of architecture as well as the passenger experience.

The Terminal 2 of the international airport in Guwahati, along with Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), were recently named among the world's most beautiful airports for 2026 by the prestigious Prix Versailles, which recognises exceptional architecture and design worldwide.

Both these airports are managed by the Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), the country's largest private airport operator.

The five other international airports named in the list include Guangzhou airport in China; Frankfurt airport in Germany; and Pittsburgh airport in the US.

The Terminal 2 of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2025, while passenger services began from March this year.

Many passengers can be seen taking photos of its architectural elements and charming decor design or snapping quick selfies.

Sasanka Bordoloi, 36, a Guwahati native who works in Mumbai, says the new terminal is an "absolute delight" to the senses.

"I have also come here for the first time, and this is quite unique. They have decorated this... The airport is quite good when you compare it with our old airport. So, the Guwahati airport has come a long way if you compare it with those in Mumbai, Bangalore, and other Tier 1 cities," he told PTI.

Several other passengers from Assam also say the nature-inspired design of the terminal fills them with pride in their heritage.

"As an Assamese, it also makes us feel proud that our airport is also ranked as one of the best (among most beautiful airports). And there is more to come.. so we're expecting more shops, more outlets, and more footfall at this airport," he said.

Many passengers hope that more upcoming airports in India, being planned or built in different cities, will draw inspiration from their local heritage and celebrate it in their architectural designs, instead of just building glass-fronted giant, swanky buildings.

The design of this unique terminal in Guwahati was unveiled by Prime Minister Modi at Advantage Assam 2.0 in February 2025.

"The Bamboo Orchids terminal 2 at Guwahati Airport is inspired by the kopou phool (foxtail orchid) and local bamboo.. Terminal 2 at LGBI Airport, Guwahati, currently under construction, will be the Gateway to the North East and have an impressive array of facilities and amenities, many that will be seen for the first time in the North East of India," Guwahati international airport had posted on X soon after the design was unveiled.

According to Adani group, around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo from the region have been used across the terminal, positioning it among India's most prominent examples of nature-inspired airport architecture where traditional craftsmanship is reimagined through modern engineering.

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Equipped with DigiYatra-enabled processing, smart check-in systems and expansive passenger areas, the terminal is designed to handle 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032, the firm said in a statement at the inauguration.

Overall, the passengers feel, the terminal isn't just a state-of-the-art aviation infrastructure, it also stands proudly as a work of art.