Breaking Records: Guwahati Airport Witnesses Unprecedented Growth in June’s Passenger Footfall 2023
Breaking Records: Guwahati Airport Witnesses Unprecedented Growth in June’s Passenger Footfall 2023
In June 2023, the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport recorded almost 4,000 aeroplane movements, a significant increase over June 2022, according to PTI.
In June 2023, the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati saw almost five lakh passengers. A representative for the Adani Group-controlled facility told PTI that of the 5 lakh passengers, nearly 2.95 lacks were arriving at the Guwahati Airport, and the balance were departing. Comparing June of this year to last, there was an overall 15% increase in passenger foot traffic.
Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, has witnessed a remarkable surge in air travel, with its airport reporting record-breaking growth in recent months. Guwahati Airport, also known as Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, has experienced a staggering 15% increase in passenger footfall during June alone.
Additionally, the airport has registered nearly 4,000 movements of flights, showcasing a significant boost in air connectivity to and from the region.
The exponential growth in passenger footfall and flight movements at Guwahati Airport is a testament to the increasing popularity of the Northeast as a tourist destination and the region’s growing economic significance.
The airport is a vital hub for domestic and international travel, facilitating connectivity to major cities across India and several Southeast Asian countries.
The rise in passenger footfall is attributed to various factors, including improved air connectivity, increased tourism, and the steady growth of business and trade in the region. The government’s focus on enhancing infrastructure and promoting tourism in the Northeast has played a pivotal role in attracting more travellers to Guwahati Airport.
One of the key contributors to the airport’s growth is the expansion of flight routes and frequencies. Several airlines have recognized the region’s untapped potential and have introduced new routes, increased flight frequencies, and deployed larger aircraft to accommodate the growing demand. This has made air travel more convenient and contributed to the rise in passenger footfall.
Furthermore, the government’s Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme has significantly boosted air connectivity to remote areas in the Northeast. This scheme introduced subsidized airfares and improved regional connectivity, making air travel more accessible and affordable for the general public. As a result, more people from smaller towns and cities in the region are now opting for air travel, thereby contributing to the surge in passenger footfall.
Guwahati Airport’s growth reflects the Northeast’s emergence as a popular tourist destination. The region’s natural beauty, diverse culture, and adventure tourism opportunities have attracted travellers from and abroad.
Tourists visiting famous destinations such as Kaziranga National Park, Shillong, Tawang, and Majuli increasingly rely on Guwahati Airport as their primary entry point.
According to PTI, the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport recorded almost 4,000 aeroplane movements in June 2023, a significant increase over June 2022. The LGBI Airport may serve as a gateway to Northeast India, which might account for this. According to the official, travellers departing from Guwahati can visit 32 domestic and two overseas destinations.
The record-breaking growth at Guwahati Airport has not only had a positive impact on the region’s tourism industry but has also fostered economic development. The increased connectivity has opened up new avenues for trade and commerce, allowing businesses to expand and flourish. The airport’s growth has resulted in job creation and investment in the aviation sector, further boosting the region’s overall economy.
Guwahati Airport has undertaken several infrastructure development projects To meet the increasing demand and guarantee satisfaction—a seamless travel experience. The airport authorities have expanded terminal facilities, improved passenger amenities, and enhanced security measures to cater to increasing number of travellers. Efforts are also underway to upgrade the runway and air traffic control systems, ensuring efficient operations and accommodating larger aircraft.
Looking ahead, the future of Guwahati Airport appears promising. With the Northeast gaining prominence as a tourism and business destination, the airport will likely witness sustained growth in the coming years. The government’s continued focus on improving air connectivity and the region’s natural appeal will continue attracting more travellers to Guwahati Airport.
The spokesperson stated that individuals from Guwahati liked to go to Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru for domestic destinations, while Singapore and Paro were the most popular overseas destinations. She stated that Guwahati Airport anticipates stable and robust development throughout the upcoming winter, likely beginning in October. According to PTI, the increase in travellers would undoubtedly be more pronounced during winter.
Following the epidemic, air travel is expanding significantly. In May 2023, the busiest airport in the Northeast served a record number of travellers—nearly five lacks.
Guwahati Airport’s exceptional growth in passenger footfall and flight movements during June underscores the increasing significance of the Northeast region. The airport’s record-breaking numbers are a testament to the government’s efforts to promote tourism and improve air connectivity. As Guwahati Airport continues to expand and upgrade its infrastructure, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving economic growth and facilitating travel to and from the vibrant Northeast region of India.
