Shillong is poised to witness a transformative leap in its aviation infrastructure, with the Airports Authority of India officially floating a tender on 5 April to initiate the long-anticipated expansion of Shillong Airport.
This strategic development will facilitate the landing of Airbus A-320 aircraft—an upgrade that is expected to be operational by 2026. The initiative marks a crucial milestone in Meghalaya’s pursuit of stronger national connectivity, improved tourism potential, and sustainable regional development. At the core of the expansion lies the runway extension by 571 metres, bringing the total length to 2,400 metres. This enhancement is tailored to support the operations of larger aircraft such as the A-320, currently beyond the airport’s capability. The project, estimated at ₹119.44 crore, includes the extension of the terminal building and apron, alongside essential auxiliary infrastructure. With an 18-month deadline, inclusive of a monsoon buffer, officials are optimistic about delivering the project on schedule.
Transport officials from the state, including Deputy Chief Minister confirmed that preparatory work has reached an advanced stage. The land acquisition process—often a significant bottleneck in public infrastructure projects—is nearing completion, with compensation to affected landowners expected to be disbursed shortly. The smooth progress on this front has allowed the Airports Authority of India to proceed confidently with the tendering process.
The announcement follows years of persistent advocacy by Chief Minister, who has lobbied intensively with the Centre to fast-track approvals for the expansion. Emphasising the socio-economic impact of the development, he described the tender release as a landmark achievement for the state. In his statement, He underscored the broader implications of enhanced air connectivity—not just in terms of travel convenience but as a catalyst for tourism, investment, and livelihood generation.
The airport expansion is central to the Meghalaya government’s vision of transforming the state into a prime destination in the North East. Shillong, known for its scenic beauty and cultural richness, has long suffered from limited flight access. Once operational, the upgraded airport will serve as a critical enabler for bridging the state’s connectivity gap with major Indian metros, thereby bolstering regional trade and encouraging environmentally sustainable tourism. The government has already secured the 22 acres of land required for the upgraded infrastructure and is working in tandem with AAI to ensure zero-delay execution.
Given India’s growing emphasis on regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, the Shillong Airport expansion resonates with the Centre’s push for equitable infrastructure development. However, stakeholders are increasingly under pressure to ensure that such infrastructure projects adhere to sustainable design standards, with carbon-neutral operations, inclusive facilities, and eco-sensitive planning. While the project cost may appear modest in scale, its long-term returns—in socio-economic and environmental terms—could be transformative for Meghalaya’s future.
As the state inches closer to breaking ground on the project, expectations are high. For the people of Meghalaya, this is more than a technical upgrade; it is a statement of intent—a vision of a future that’s better connected, more equitable, and built on sustainable foundations.
Shillong Airport Expansion Begins to Improve Air Connectivity and Boost Economy
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