Meghalaya’s Umroi Airport Getting Ready for Boeings, Bigger Aircrafts to Land?

Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport, Sniawbhalang Dhar, on Tuesday informed that the state government is waiting for the feasibility report on whether bigger aircraft can land at Shillong Airport.

Speaking to the media, Dhar said, “We are yet to receive the final report from the consultant appointed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). As soon as we receive the report, we will immediately take a call on the matter.”

Dhar further informed that the consultant is expected to submit the feasibility report by the end of October.

Dhar expressed hope for a positive outcome, emphasizing the government’s concern regarding the issue.
“A consultant has been asked to indicate whether it is feasible or not for bigger aircraft to land at the Shillong Airport. And if it is feasible, they will prepare the detailed project report (DPR) and then tell us how much extra land we have to acquire for the expansion of the airport,” Dhar added.

Earlier on June 9, the state government asked for the second survey of the airport to be exercised by the Airport Authority of India.

Deputy Chief Minister Incharge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar said this will be a totally new survey as he said that the Airport Authority of India is conducting the second Survey of the Umroi Airport.

Dhar said the payment is made. The feasibility test for the expansion of Runway is being conducted by the Airport Authority of India. This survey is conducted at the Umroi Airport to ascertain the feasibility of wider-bodied aircraft to operate from the airport. About the Baljek Airport, he said the additional land is yet to be identified, and when the land is finalized, a joint inspection will be conducted before going for the land acquisition process.

It may be mentioned that Umroi Airport, which serves Shillong, cannot cater to jet planes, instead being limited to smaller turboprops, which have a shorter range and can carry fewer passengers. The reason is the runway, which is not long enough for jet planes. The feasibility study will indicate whether there is any scope for expansion of the airport or not.

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