Guwahati: Assam has received global recognition for its architectural excellence after Terminal 2 of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) secured a place in the prestigious Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports List 2026.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the achievement on X, describing it as a proud moment for Assam and the Northeast. He noted that the new terminal has been recognised for a design that seamlessly blends indigenous art, local craftsmanship and nature-inspired narratives, reflecting Assam’s unique cultural and architectural identity.
“The world is taking note of Assam’s architectural identity. The new terminal of Guwahati Airport has been featured in the prestigious Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airports List 2026,” the Chief Minister stated.
The recognition was announced by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), India’s largest private airport operator, which manages the Guwahati airport. Alongside Guwahati’s Terminal 2, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) also earned a place on the globally acclaimed list.
Prix Versailles is an internationally renowned architecture and design award presented annually at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris since 2015. The award honours newly developed airports and terminals that demonstrate excellence in architecture, sustainability, innovation and passenger-centric design.
According to AAHL, Guwahati Airport’s Terminal 2 has been conceptualised as a gateway to Northeast India, drawing inspiration from the region’s rich biodiversity and indigenous heritage. The terminal’s architectural language is centred around the “Bamboo Orchid,” a design concept that reflects the ecological wealth of the Northeast while incorporating sustainable and functional elements.
The recognition places Guwahati Airport among an elite group of global aviation hubs acknowledged for architectural excellence. Other airports featured on the World’s Most Beautiful Airports List 2026 include those in Guangzhou (China), Frankfurt am Main (Germany), Kandal Stueng (Cambodia), Pittsburgh (United States), and San Diego (United States).
A spokesperson for Adani Airport Holdings Limited said the honour reflects the company’s commitment to creating world-class airport infrastructure that combines functionality, sustainability and operational efficiency with outstanding design.
“We are honoured to see our airports recognised on a global platform and remain committed to delivering world-class experiences that position India among the leading aviation markets of the world,” the spokesperson said.
The Prix Versailles awards promote intelligent sustainability and cultural integration in architectural design. Later this year, three airports or airport terminals from the 2026 list will be selected for the prestigious World Titles in categories including Prix Versailles, Interior and Exterior.
The latest recognition is expected to further strengthen Guwahati Airport’s status as the principal gateway to Northeast India while showcasing Assam’s cultural heritage and architectural identity on the global stage.
