Guwahati is set to witness a major infrastructure boost as Adani Airport City Limited (AACL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), has announced plans to develop an integrated Airport City at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport as part of a ₹20,000 crore nationwide investment programme.
The ambitious first phase of the project will cover nearly 22 million square feet across six airports in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur and Guwahati. The initiative aims to transform airport precincts into integrated urban destinations featuring hotels, office spaces, retail centres, entertainment zones, convention facilities and commercial infrastructure.
The Airport City model is designed to create walkable, mixed-use districts seamlessly connected with airport terminals, metro networks and urban transport systems. The development seeks to enhance passenger experience while generating new business opportunities, employment and economic growth for surrounding regions.
According to the company, the six Airport City projects will be developed across a land bank of more than 655 acres. While Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will account for nearly 70 per cent of the total investment, Guwahati has been identified as one of the strategic locations for expanding airport-led urban development in eastern and northeastern India.
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Limited, said airports around the world have evolved into centres of commerce, tourism and urban development, and India's rapidly growing aviation sector presents a similar opportunity. He said the company aims to create integrated urban destinations where airports become catalysts for investment, employment and long-term regional growth.
The Airport City developments are inspired by globally recognised aviation hubs such as Singapore's Changi Airport, Dubai International Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Seoul's Incheon International Airport. The projects are being designed with support from leading international design and engineering firms while incorporating the latest trends in hospitality, retail, commercial spaces and entertainment.
Unlike conventional real estate developments, the Airport City concept integrates hotels, workplaces, shopping, dining, entertainment and convention facilities into a single master-planned ecosystem centred around airport connectivity. The objective is to create vibrant urban districts that serve not only travellers but also businesses and local communities.
As part of the initiative, Adani Airport Holdings has signed hotel management agreements with IHG Hotels & Resorts to develop five luxury and premium hotels, including the launch of the Kimpton brand in India. The company is also partnering with leading domestic and international brands across hospitality, retail, food and beverage, and entertainment sectors.
Sustainability will remain a key focus of the programme. All Airport City projects, including the proposed development at Guwahati Airport, have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold pre-certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, recognising their emphasis on sustainable construction, energy efficiency, walkability and environmentally responsible urban planning.
