The expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi is expected to take longer than the state government’s targeted timeline of 2027 for enabling operation of larger aircraft. Sources indicate that environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is still pending and under process. Without this key approval, the project cannot proceed fully. Meanwhile, eight bidders have responded to the tender for the expansion work. The financial bids have been opened, but the final bidder is yet to be selected as the offers are being cross-verified. The expansion proposal includes extending the runway from the current 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres, allowing Boeing and Airbus narrow-body aircraft (and potentially select wide-body types) to operate from the airport.
Sources remain optimistic that the airport will be upgraded this time, though no firm timeline has been confirmed for when this long-standing dream will become reality. The state government has stated that runway expansion work, once started, will take approximately 18 months to complete. However, land handover to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is still pending. Authorities in Ri-Bhoi district are confident of complying with the Meghalaya High Court’s directive and handing over the required land within January 31.
In addition to the runway and new terminal building, the project includes revamping staff quarters and the parking lot. Currently, Shillong Airport handles an average of 7,000–8,000 passengers per month, with around four flights operating daily. Related developments at the airport include a tender for opening a retail outlet outside the premises and the installation of two EV charging stations. Discussions are also under way to introduce prepaid taxi services from the airport.