The long-awaited expansion of the Shillong Airport runway has taken a significant step forward following a high-level meeting between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Union DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Taking to social media, CM Sangma expressed gratitude to Scindia for his support and said the state government is committed to completing all formalities to begin the upgrade work promptly. The meeting comes days after the Meghalaya High Court ordered authorities to fast-track the project, citing limited connectivity and frequent flight cancellations due to the airport’s short runway.
The court noted that Shillong Airport currently accommodates only ATR aircraft, causing inconvenience to residents and tourists and hampering the state’s economy. The expansion requires 22 acres of land—10.3 acres from the Defense Department and 11.7 acres from private owners. While the Defense Department has agreed to transfer its share, the state government will negotiate directly with landowners to speed up the process.
A ₹150 crore construction tender has been floated, with the work expected to take 18 months once agreements are finalized. The court has urged all authorities to complete approvals and make the upgraded airport operational within two years. The next hearing is set for May 15.
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