All about Airports in Assam

Assam, a state nestled in the northeastern part of India, is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse culture but is also making significant strides in the aviation sector. With an increasing focus on connectivity and infrastructure development, Assam boasts a network of airports that play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity and promoting economic growth.

See also: All about Airports in Bihar

 

International Airport in Assam

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI)

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (IATA: GAU, ICAO: VEGT) functions as an international airport catering to Guwahati, the largest city in North-East India located in the state of Assam, India. Serving as the primary airport for the North-East region, it ranks as the 12^th  busiest airport in India. Situated in Borjhar, it is positioned 26 km (16 mi) from Dispur, the capital of Assam, and 28 km (18 mi) from Guwahati. The airport pays homage to Gopinath Bordoloi, a distinguished freedom fighter and the inaugural Chief Minister of Assam after India’s independence. Managed by the Airports Authority of India, the facility also operates as an Indian Air Force base.

 

Terminals at LGBI

Terminal 1

The current passenger terminal, Terminal 1, has been in operation since 1958. Spanning an area of 28,685 m² (308,760 sq. ft.), it is divided into sections for domestic and international travellers. This terminal comprises three levels: the ground floor for arrivals, the mezzanine floor serving as the boarding area, and the third floor for departures. Equipped with four aerobridges, Terminal 1 can accommodate 20,000 passengers during peak hours and handles approximately six million passengers annually. Adjacent to its entrance, a spacious parking area is provided. To the north, there is a cargo terminal with storage facilities, while to the south, an Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, a fire station, a fuel station, and a technical block are situated.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2, the upcoming passenger terminal, is under construction 2 km (1.2 mi) north of the existing terminal. Encompassing an expansive area of 1,002,500 m² (10,791,000 sq. ft.), Terminal 2 will feature four levels. The primary levels will house the arrivals area on the lower level and the departures area on the upper level. The two intermediary levels will act as a mezzanine surface, serving as the boarding area, and a service floor for the baggage handling system, respectively. Boasting ten aerobridges, Terminal 2 is designed to accommodate 4,500 passengers during peak hours and handle approximately 10 million passengers annually. Its entrance will be accompanied by a parking space and a multi-level parking area larger than that of the existing terminal. To the south, a new cargo terminal, a fire station, a fuel station, a storage unit, and a technical block will be established. Construction commenced in March 2018, with completion expected by July 2024.

 

 

Domestic Airports in Assam

Dibrugarh Airport

Dibrugarh Airport (IATA: DIB, ICAO: VEMN) is a regional airport serving the city of Dibrugarh in Assam, India. Positioned at Mohanbari, approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the city centre, the airport spans across an area of 386 acres. The terminal is equipped with two aerobridges for passenger convenience. The runway is designed to accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The airport was founded in the early 1950s. In February 2009, a new terminal facility was inaugurated, capable of accommodating up to 500 passengers simultaneously.

 

Jorhat Airport

Jorhat Airport (IATA: JRH, ICAO: VEJT), also known as Rowriah Airport, serves the cities of Jorhat and Golaghat in Assam, India. Positioned at Rowriah, approximately 7 km (4.3 mi) southwest of Jorhat and 51 km (32 mi) northeast of Golaghat, it plays a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity. Established in the early 1950s, Jorhat Airport, often referred to as Rowriah Airport due to its location in the Rowriah area of the city, holds historical significance. Jorhat AFS, the Indian Air Force’s inaugural air base in the East, serves as a transport hub for aircraft conducting airdrops in the Naga Hills of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

 

Lilabari Airport

Lilabari Airport (IATA: IXI, ICAO: VELR), also recognised as North Lakhimpur Airport, serves as a vital domestic airport catering to the city of North Lakhimpur in Assam, India. Located in Lilabari, it is positioned 8 km (5.0 mi) to the north of the city centre. The inception of the Lilabari Airport project in Lakhimpur can be traced back to extensive campaigning and lobbying by the local Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Ranee Narah, during the period from 1999 to 2003. Construction of the airport concluded in 2003, with the terminal being inaugurated by the then Union Civil Aviation Minister, Syed Shahnawaz Hussain. The strategic location of Lilabari Airport plays a pivotal role in promoting regional air travel, contributing to the overall development and accessibility of North Lakhimpur and its surrounding areas.

 

Rupsi Airport

Rupsi Airport (IATA: RUP, ICAO: VERU) serves as a domestic airport for the city of Dhubri in Assam, India. Positioned in Rupsi, it is located 17 km (11 mi) north of the city centre. The airport serves as a crucial transportation hub for the residents of the lower part of Assam, connecting them to major cities and states across India. Additionally, Rupsi Airport acts as a layover for travellers heading to the wildlife parks of Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary, Ultapani Reserve Forest, and Manas National Park in Assam, as well as Jaldapara National Park in Alipurduar district and Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal. Covering an area of 447 acres (181 ha) at an elevation of 131 feet (40 m) above mean sea level, Rupsi Airport features a paved runway designated 05/23, measuring 6,000 by 150 feet (1,829 m × 46 m).

 

Silchar Airport

Silchar Airport (IATA: IXS, ICAO: VEKU) is a domestic airport located in Kumbhirgram, 29 km from the city centre of Silchar, Assam, India. Originally built by the British as RAF Station Kumbhirgram in 1944, it was later transferred to the Royal Indian Air Force. The airport serves both military and civil purposes, being a civil enclave under the control of the Indian Air Force.

Situated on the foothills of the Barail range, Silchar Airport is the fifth busiest in Northeast India, following Guwahati, Agartala, Imphal, and Dibrugarh. It exhibited significant passenger traffic growth, with a 72.9% increase in 2017-18, handling 366,955 passengers. In 2018-19, traffic grew by 5.4% to 386,665 passengers. As of 2018-19, it ranks as the 47th busiest airport in India and the 49th busiest in terms of aircraft movement. In terms of cargo transportation, it is the 43rd busiest, based on 2017-18 data from the Airports Authority of India.

 

Impact of Airports on real estate in Assam

The impact of airports on real estate in Assam can be significant and multifaceted. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Property value appreciation

Proximity to airports often enhances the value of real estate. Areas around airports, especially in major cities like Guwahati, may experience increased demand for residential and commercial properties. This can lead to an appreciation of property values.

Infrastructure development

The development of airports usually goes hand in hand with overall infrastructure improvements in the region. Improved connectivity, better roads, and upgraded amenities contribute to the attractiveness of the surrounding areas for real estate development.

Commercial and business opportunities

Airports are hubs of economic activity, fostering business growth and commercial opportunities. This can lead to increased demand for office spaces, hotels, and commercial establishments in the vicinity, thus positively impacting the real estate sector.

Job creation

The presence of airports often results in job creation, both directly and indirectly. This influx of employment opportunities can drive migration, increasing the demand for housing and rental properties in the region.

Tourism and hospitality sector

Improved air connectivity has boosted tourism, leading to a surge in demand for hotels, resorts, and other hospitality-related establishments. This can have a cascading effect on the real estate market, driving the need for additional accommodations.

 

FAQs

How many airports are there in Assam?

Assam has several airports, including major ones like Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, Dibrugarh Airport, Silchar Airport, and others.

What is the major international airport in Assam?

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati is the major international airport in Assam.

How far is Silchar Airport from the city centre?

Silchar Airport is located 29 km (18 mi) from the city centre of Silchar, Assam.

What weather conditions are common at airports in Assam?

Assam experiences diverse weather conditions, including monsoons. Travellers are advised to check weather updates, especially during the monsoon season, which can impact flight schedules.

Are there duty-free shops at airports in Assam?

Major airports in Assam, particularly international ones like Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, may have duty-free shops offering a variety of goods.

What is the security arrangement at airports in Assam?

Airports in Assam, like elsewhere, follow strict security protocols set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to ensure the safety of passengers and airport infrastructure.

How is the connectivity of airports in Assam to other parts of the country?

Airports in Assam, especially Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, serve as important aviation hubs with good connectivity to major cities across India.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]