The Federation of Shillong Hotels has urged the state government to expedite the expansion of Shillong (Umroi) Airport and restore regional flight services that previously connected the city to various North Eastern capitals.
Federation President Parambir Singh noted that while the airport once operated flights to Silchar, Agartala, Dimapur, Dibrugarh, and Guwahati, these services were abruptly stopped. He stressed that these routes should be reinstated while the long-term expansion project is underway.
The Federation highlighted that direct connectivity would significantly benefit the state’s tourism sector.
Singh pointed out that while 40 per cent of tourists visiting the region explore the wider North East, the remaining 50-60 per cent come specifically to visit Meghalaya.
“Once the airport is fully functional and tourists land directly in Meghalaya, the reliance on outside taxis will decrease. This will be a win-win situation for local taxi operators and provide hassle-free travel for visitors,” Singh said.
All necessary clearances for the long-awaited runway expansion have been approved, and construction is currently active. The expansion is expected to take approximately 15 months, after which the airport will be equipped to handle larger aircraft.