Transforming Passenger Experiences: Leading Indian Airports Upgrade for Travelers
The world of air travel is undergoing a transformation in India, with several airports integrating cultural and architectural elements inspired by their regional heritage and natural surroundings. This trend is evident in the design of the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Assam, which has won the International Architectural Award 2025 for its new Terminal 2.
LGBIA's Terminal 2 is a tribute to the wonders of Northeast India, with its design deeply rooted in the region's natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The structure's columns resemble tea-trunks, and the curved, overlapping rooftop gives the airport an earthy, organic feel. The terminal's large, open spaces and abundant natural light create a calming and refreshing ambience.
The design of the terminal draws inspiration from the resilience of bamboo and the grace of the foxtail orchid, the state flower of Assam. Traditional motifs, such as the gamocha (a traditional Assamese towel), are integrated into the design. The terminal also provides an immersive introduction to Assam's biodiversity and traditions, with shops and food outlets showcasing local flavors and handicrafts.
Similarly, Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is designing a new terminal influenced by the Himalayas and the Kanchenjunga peak, symbolizing the Eastern Himalayan landscape. The terminal facade mimics the mountain range silhouette, with features like vertical aluminium fins and sloping roofs reflecting local tea plantations and climatic considerations. The design aims to be culturally grounded and climate-resilient.
Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 in Bengaluru is noted for its innovative interiors, embracing modern design with contextual responsiveness. The terminal includes a "Terminal in a Garden" concept and features curated art exhibitions and cultural spaces, creating a unique passenger experience that blends architecture and local artistry.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) has launched a new initiative called DEL Vibes to enhance the passenger experience by showcasing Indian culture through live performances and art. DEL Vibes aims to transform the typical waiting time into a rich, cultural journey and is active across all terminals. The initiative includes live performances of Indian classical dance forms like kathak and bharatanatyam, as well as instrumental recitals with traditional instruments such as the sitar, santoor, and sarangi.
Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has a dedicated art gallery under the program called Art@RGIA. The airport also introduced therapy dogs to ease travel stress. The visual arts initiative, Art@RGIA, is aimed at showcasing the unique artistic and cultural life of Hyderabad and the surrounding region.
These examples show a trend in Indian airport designs moving beyond functional transit points to becoming architectural landmarks that celebrate local culture, heritage, and natural context through thoughtful design and arts integration. These airports are leading the way in transforming the passenger experience, making travel not just about the destination, but also about the journey itself, and are becoming cultural gateways, offering a glimpse into India's rich and diverse heritage.
[1] https://www.archdaily.com/973468/lokpriya-gopinath-bordoloi-international-airport-assam-studio-lotus [2] https://www.dezeen.com/2021/03/09/bagdogra-airport-west-bengal-india-design-competition-winner-revealed/ [3] https://www.archdaily.com/948824/kempegowda-international-airport-terminal-2-bangalore-nagata-academy-international [4] https://www.archdaily.com/973468/lokpriya-gopinath-bordoloi-international-airport-assam-studio-lotus
- The design of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport's Terminal 2 honors Northeast India's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity, even incorporating traditional motifs like the gamocha. [Reference: 1]
- Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal is crafting a new terminal that reflects the eastern Himalayan landscape, mimicking the Kanchenjunga peak and local tea plantations, aiming for cultural grounding and climate resilience. [Reference: 2]
- Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 in Bengaluru stands out for its innovative interiors, blending modern design with local artistry, featuring a "Terminal in a Garden" concept. [Reference: 3]
- Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport showcases the region's artistic and cultural life through initiatives like Art@RGIA and therapy dogs, aiming to transform travel into a rich, cultural journey. [Reference: 4]
These airport designs in India are becoming architectural landmarks that celebrate local culture and heritage, turning transit hubs into destinations in themselves, offering travelers a glimpse into India's diverse and rich heritage. [Reference: not provided]
