The Meghalaya government has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to make Baljek Airport near Tura operational.
Years after its initial inauguration, the move marks a decisive step to revive the underutilised aviation asset and offer much-needed connectivity to the Garo Hills region under the central UDAN scheme. The airport, located at Jengjal near Tura in West Garo Hills district, is set to launch flight operations with a 19-seater aircraft connecting Shillong to Baljek. This regional air link, envisaged under the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), aims to enhance mobility, cut travel time across hilly terrain, and stimulate equitable development in the region long underserved by transport infrastructure. The AAI has agreed to take over operations and maintenance responsibilities for the airport under existing conditions. As part of the agreement, the state will facilitate the acquisition of 125 acres of land in the first phase beyond the existing 56.5 acres with plans to acquire an additional 115 acres later to accommodate future expansion. This groundwork is essential for enabling Baljek Airport to handle larger aircraft like ATR-72s and potentially allow both passenger and cargo traffic in the years ahead.
The move also carries emotional weight for local communities, as the airport’s origin dates back to a long-standing vision for economic upliftment and connectivity in the Garo Hills. The operationalisation of the airport is expected to transform Jengjal into a key regional hub, boosting tourism, small business growth, and access to critical services. However, a critical next step involves public cooperation in the land acquisition process. The government has signalled its intention to build with foresight, planning not only for current demand but also for long-term aviation needs over the next 30 to 50 years. Officials have been tasked with accelerating this process so that runway extension work can begin without delay. The aim is to lay a foundation for sustainable aviation growth that is environmentally conscious, socially inclusive, and future-ready.
The planned resumption of services at Baljek fits into a broader national strategy of decentralising aviation infrastructure and promoting eco-friendly regional connectivity. This aligns with sustainable city goals, helping reduce pressure on larger airports while enabling access to low-carbon transport in remote areas. While immediate air traffic may be modest, the initiative reflects a growing recognition of the Northeast’s strategic importance and the urgent need for resilient, equitable transportation links. If successfully executed, Baljek could become a model for operationalising dormant airstrips in other underserved parts of the country, advancing both infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth. As the state government and AAI move forward with phased implementation, all eyes will be on how swiftly the vision translates into reality and whether it can truly take flight for the people of Garo Hills and beyond.
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