The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has floated a tender for the expansion of Shillong Airport located in Umroi, Meghalaya. With an estimated investment of over ₹180 crore, this move marks a pivotal moment in the state’s infrastructural development, promising enhanced connectivity, tourism growth, and regional integration.
The upcoming project is set to bring modern aviation infrastructure to a region long underserved by seamless air travel, aligning with the central government’s broader vision of inclusive development through regional connectivity. The proposed plan entails constructing a state-of-the-art terminal designed to accommodate up to 600 passengers during peak hours, which would significantly ease congestion and elevate the travel experience. In addition to the terminal, the scope of work includes apron and taxiway expansion, improved support infrastructure, and a proposed runway extension to 2,400 metres—subject to environmental clearance. These enhancements aim to enable the airport to host larger aircraft, which has long been a demand of the local business and tourism communities seeking better access to the rest of the country.
This development ties in with India’s flagship UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and widespread while strengthening the aviation infrastructure in under-served regions. Shillong’s strategic location at the heart of Meghalaya and its proximity to other northeastern states make it a natural choice for expansion. Once completed, the airport is expected to serve as a vital node for regional connectivity, facilitating both domestic and international tourism while reducing travel dependency on airports in Assam or West Bengal.
The decision to expand Shillong Airport has also been welcomed by environmentalists and policy advocates focusing on sustainable infrastructure. The planned facilities are expected to adhere to green building norms and incorporate energy-efficient technologies. Given the ecologically sensitive terrain of the Northeast, the implementation of carbon-neutral and environmentally sustainable design is seen not just as a regulatory necessity but a moral imperative. Moreover, the project has opened up dialogues around gender-inclusive employment and local community engagement in construction and operations, bringing a more holistic and human-centric approach to infrastructure development.
Stakeholders across the aviation and tourism sectors view this initiative as a long-awaited opportunity to unlock Meghalaya’s economic potential. With improved airport infrastructure, the state can position itself as a gateway to the Northeast, attracting investment, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting employment generation in ancillary sectors. It also strengthens the region’s integration into the national economy, a vital step toward reducing geographic isolation and economic disparity.
As tenders roll out and groundwork begins, Shillong Airport’s transformation into a modern aviation hub will be closely watched. With thoughtful planning and efficient execution, the expansion has the potential to become a model for sustainable airport development in hilly and ecologically delicate regions of India. The endeavour reflects a blend of strategic foresight and infrastructural necessity, placing Meghalaya on a firm flight path toward greater connectivity, economic dynamism, and equitable development.
Shillong airport expansion begins to support growth and improve regional air travel
