Guwahati, Oct 8: Despite widespread protests, operations, management and development responsibilities of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport haas been handed over to the Adani Guwahati International Airport Limited (AGIAL) in a “restricted ceremony” at the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.

The mandate to operate LGBI, the only international airport in the North East India, was won by the Gautam Adani-led Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) earlier this year, which was finalised last Thursday.

At the Airport Terminal, LGBI Airport Director deputed by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) handed over a symbolic key to Utpal Baruah, who has been appointed as Chief Airport Officer by the new airport operator — AGIAL.“Amidst the sonorous traditional tune of taal-khol & Bihu, in presence of the Adani Head Office representatives, the changeover moment was witnessed by several staff and officers of the airport with their families,” a media statement mentioned.

Hours after midnight, the Adani Group through its official Twitter handle had tweeted, “We are delighted to announce that the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is now a ‘Gateway To Goodness’. We are privileged to be at your service and welcome all passengers to our airport in Guwahati.”AAI to provide initial guidance to Adani Group

Adani Group had last year emerged successful through the global tender called by the Union Aviation ministry and the concessionaire agreement between AAI and AGIAL was executed on January 19, 2021 in New Delhi that provides the group with rights to run the airport for a period of 50 years. For the initial 3 years, they will be supported by the employees of AAI. The group had also acquired concessionaire agreement for five other other airports — Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Jaipur last year.

According to reports, only security and air traffic communication will be looked after by AAI employees at the LGBI airport in Guwahati.

The displaced Airports Authority of India (AAI) employees at the LGBI Airport in Guwahati are most likely to be posted at other airports.

Opposition to privatization of LGBI Airport

Opposition parties in Assam including the Congress and the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and several other organisations along with the AAI employees unions had protested against the privatisation of the LGBI Airport.

Adani Group now operates five Airports in India

With LGBI, in its kitty, the Adani Group now operates five Airports in India that includes the newly acquired Mumbai Airport last July, and the Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Mangalore airports acquired since last year while Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports are still in the pipeline.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier tweeted after a meeting with Gautam Adani’s son Jeer Adani last September 3, “Met Sri Jeet Adani, Promoter, Airports @AdaniOnline today. During discussions, I clearly told that name of Guwahati Airport will always remain as Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. Sri Adani assured that & further committed to develop this as among the best airports in India.”

Met Sri Jeet Adani, Promoter, Airports @AdaniOnline today. During discussions, I clearly told that name of Guwahati Airport will always remain as Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport. Sri Adani assured that & further committed to develop this as among the best airports in India. pic.twitter.com/G03GnGewXb

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 3, 2021