Residents and village leaders from areas surrounding Umroi have expressed strong backing for the proposed expansion of Shillong Airport during a public hearing held on October 7. The consultation, organised by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, focused on plans to upgrade the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and strengthen regional air connectivity.
The ambitious ₹500-crore project will expand the airport area from 5,000 sq m to 10,500 sq m and extend the runway from 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres, allowing operations of larger jets such as the Airbus A320. Upon completion, the upgraded facility will be capable of handling five A320 aircraft simultaneously and offer direct flights to major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Officials from the Airports Authority of India highlighted that the development will also feature improvements to the runway, taxiway, and terminal building, aimed at enhancing efficiency and passenger experience. The project is currently in the tendering phase and is expected to be completed within 18 months after construction begins.
Community representatives welcomed the expansion, noting that it would boost economic activity and improve travel options in the region. They emphasised the importance of prioritising local employment, a point reaffirmed by airport officials, who said nearby residents would be given preference for semi-skilled and unskilled positions, while qualified locals would be considered for specialised roles. At present, nearly 80 per cent of the airport’s workforce comes from surrounding areas, and authorities anticipate a significant increase in job opportunities as passenger capacity rises from 1.5 million to nearly 6 million annually.