Guwahati airport: All you need to know about super gateway to the Northeast of India by air

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, commonly referred to as Guwahati Airport, is the primary international airport serving Guwahati, the largest city in the Indian state of Assam. Here are some key details about the airport:

Guwahati Airport Information:

• IATA Code: GAU
• ICAO Code: VEGT
• Airport Type: Public
• Operator: Airports Authority of India (AAI)

Terminals:

• The airport has a single integrated terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights.
• The terminal is divided into two levels: the arrival hall and the departure hall.

Airlines and Destinations:

• Guwahati Airport is served by several Indian airlines, including Air Asia, Air India, Alliance Air, Go First, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara.
• International destinations include Bangkok, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
• Domestic destinations include major cities in India such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

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Facilities:

• Check-in counters: 16
• Baggage claim belts: 4
• Immigration counters: 6 (for international passengers)
• Customs counters: 2 (for international passengers)
• Security check points: 2
• CAFÉ coffee shop
• Food court with various restaurants and eateries
• Duty-free shopping area
• Prayer room
• Baby care facility

Transportation from the Airport:

• Taxi/Cab: Available outside the airport terminal building. Fixed fare from the airport to Guwahati city center is around ₹400-500.
• Bus: Government-run buses and private buses operate from the airport to different parts of the city. Fare is around ₹10-50.
• Auto-Rickshaw: Available outside the airport terminal building. Fare is around ₹100-200 to Guwahati city center.

Airport Statistics:

• Annual passenger traffic: Over 1 million (2020-21)
• Cargo handling capacity: 15,000 metric tons per year
• Runway length: 2,743 meters (9,000 feet)

Upcoming Developments:

• Expansion of the terminal building to increase passenger capacity
• Development of a new cargo complex with increased cargo handling capacity
• Construction of a new ATC tower and radar system

Guwahati Airport is an important hub for air travel in North East India and serves as a gateway to popular tourist destinations such as Shillong, Cherrapunji, Kaziranga National Park, and Darjeeling.

Dos and don’ts

Here are some dos and don’ts for your visit to Guwahati Airport:

DO:

1. Arrive early: Reach the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight departure time to ensure a smooth check-in and security process.
2. Check-in online: Check-in online and print or download your boarding pass to save time at the airport.
3. Carry necessary documents: Ensure you have all required documents such as a valid passport, visa (if required), and ID proof.
4. Pack wisely: Pack smartly to avoid any last-minute hassles. Check with your airline for baggage restrictions and pack accordingly.
5. Be prepared for security checks: Be prepared for security checks, including removing electronic devices and liquids from your carry-on bags.
6. Download airport apps: Download airport apps like ‘Guwahati Airport’ or ‘Airports Authority of India’ to stay updated on flight schedules, arrivals, and departures.
7. Stay hydrated: Guwahati can be hot and humid, so make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your journey.
8. Explore the airport facilities: Take advantage of the airport’s facilities like food courts, duty-free shopping, and prayer rooms.

DON’T:

1. Don’t arrive late: Plan to arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid last-minute stress and potential flight delays.
2. Don’t forget to declare goods: Declare all goods purchased abroad, especially duty-free items, to avoid any trouble during customs clearance.
3. Don’t litter: Keep the airport clean by disposing of trash properly in bins provided.
4. Don’t smoke inside the airport: Smoking is not allowed inside the airport premises.
5. Don’t beg or panhandle: Refrain from begging or panhandling, as it is not allowed in the airport premises.
6. Don’t overstay: Ensure you leave the airport on time after your flight has departed to avoid any inconvenience or fines.
7. Don’t misbehave with staff: Treat airport staff with respect and kindness. Avoid arguments or misbehavior, as it can lead to unpleasant consequences.
8. Don’t ignore announcements: Pay attention to announcements made by airport staff or over the public address system, as they may be important updates about flights or security alerts.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience at Guwahati Airport!

Nearby places to visit

Guwahati Airport is strategically located, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas and attractions. Here are some places to visit around Guwahati Airport:

1. Umiam Lake (25 km, 30-minute drive): A scenic lake surrounded by lush green hills and mountains, perfect for a peaceful morning or evening stroll.

2. Shillong (60 km, 1-hour drive): The capital of Meghalaya, known for its picturesque views, waterfalls, and scenic drives.

3. Kamakhya Temple (15 km, 20-minute drive): A revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya, famous for its unique architecture and scenic views.

4. Basistha Ashram (12 km, 20-minute drive): A peaceful ashram situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.

5. Nehru Park (5 km, 10-minute drive): A beautiful park named after Jawaharlal Nehru, with a lovely garden, walking trails, and a children’s play area.

6. Umananda Temple (5 km, 10-minute drive): A sacred temple situated on an island in the Brahmaputra River, accessible by ferry or a small boat.

7. Sukreswar Mandir (10 km, 15-minute drive): A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its stunning architecture and scenic views.

8. Garudeshwar Temple (12 km, 20-minute drive): A historic temple built during the Ahom Kingdom era, featuring intricate stone carvings and ornate architecture.

9. Fancy Bazaar (5 km, 10-minute drive): A popular local market offering a variety of street food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

10. Dighali Pukhuri (10 km, 15-minute drive): A beautiful man-made lake with walking trails and boating facilities, offering serene surroundings and stunning views.

These are just a few of the many places to visit around Guwahati Airport. Depending on your interests and time constraints, you can choose one or more of these destinations for a memorable experience.

Remember to plan your trip according to the opening hours and accessibility of each location to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey!