Akasa Air Operates First Flight from New Guwahati Airport Terminal
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Akasa Air operated the inaugural flight from Guwahati's new terminal on Feb 22, 2026, marking a key milestone for Northeast India's aviation capacity.
Key Takeaways
- •Operated the first flight from Guwahati's new terminal on February 22, 2026.
- •Marks the operational start of a facility increasing airport capacity to 13.1 million passengers.
- •Follows Akasa Air's recent membership in IATA in January 2026, becoming the 5th Indian member.
- •Strengthens Guwahati's role as the primary aviation gateway for Northeast India.
Akasa Air has become the first carrier to operate a flight from the new integrated terminal at Guwahati's Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBI). The airline’s flight from Mumbai landed on February 22, 2026, marking the formal commencement of passenger services at the modern facility and a significant step in expanding air connectivity for India's Northeast region.
The launch of operations from the new terminal represents a critical development for both Akasa Air and the airport. For the airline, it solidifies its expanding network presence in key regional markets. For the airport, operated by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), it signifies a major capacity enhancement designed to position Guwahati as a primary gateway to the seven northeastern states and a potential hub for routes to Southeast Asia.
New Terminal Capabilities
The new terminal at LGBI was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 20, 2025. According to an Adani Group press release, the facility increases the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 13.1 million. This expansion is a central component of a broader national strategy focused on the modernization of airport infrastructure, particularly in non-metro cities, to accommodate rising domestic air travel demand. The project's completion and operational launch were contingent on certification from India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which oversees all airport standards to ensure safety and operational readiness.
Akasa Air's Strategic Growth
This operational first for Akasa Air comes shortly after another significant corporate milestone. The airline, founded by Vinay Dube and the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, recently became the fifth Indian carrier to join the International Air Transport Association (IATA). According to an IATA press release, Akasa Air's membership was formalized in early January 2026. The other Indian member airlines are Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.
A prerequisite for IATA membership is the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), an internationally recognized evaluation of an airline's operational management and control systems. Akasa Air's IOSA certification demonstrates its adherence to global aviation safety standards, a critical step for its domestic and future international ambitions.
Sheldon Hee, IATA's Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific, commented on the airline's entry. “We are excited to welcome Akasa Air as an IATA member. India's aviation potential is huge... We look forward to engaging with Akasa Air and to their active participation in shaping the airline industry's agenda, priorities and initiatives in India, the Asia Pacific region, and globally.”
Akasa Air, which began commercial operations on August 7, 2022, has rapidly expanded its fleet and network. Securing the inaugural flight at Guwahati's new terminal underscores its strategy of building a strong presence on high-demand trunk routes as well as in underserved regional markets. The airline received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA on July 7, 2022, after its initial founding investment included $35 million from Jhunjhunwala.
Industry Context and Future Outlook
The launch aligns with several key industry trends. The rapid growth of low-cost carriers (LCCs) continues to define the Indian domestic market, with airlines like Akasa Air capturing significant passenger share. Concurrently, the government's 'Act East Policy' has placed a strategic emphasis on improving connectivity in Northeast India, viewing enhanced transportation infrastructure as vital for economic development and integration with Southeast Asian economies.
With the new terminal now operational, other airlines are expected to transition their services in the coming weeks. The increased capacity at Guwahati (GAU) will likely lead to the introduction of new routes and increased flight frequencies to the region, benefiting both business and leisure travelers. For Akasa Air, the successful launch provides a foundation for further expansion in the Northeast, a market with considerable growth potential.
Why This Matters
This development is significant as it demonstrates the parallel growth of a new airline and the modernization of national aviation infrastructure. The operationalization of Guwahati's new terminal strengthens its position as a critical regional hub, while Akasa Air's role as the inaugural operator highlights the competitive dynamism within India's LCC sector. For the industry, it signals a continued focus on capacity building beyond major metro airports to support sustained air traffic growth across the country.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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