For years, Meghalaya has waited for Shillong Airport to handle larger aircraft and improve direct connectivity with major Indian cities. But even after the project was awarded and groundwork preparations began, the expansion now faces another delay.
Shillong, May 11 : Fresh delays in the long-awaited expansion of Shillong Airport have once again drawn attention to the slow pace of infrastructure execution in Shillong Airport expansion work to begin soon; larger aircraft operations expected in 15 months, even as the state continues pushing for better regional air connectivity. Although the project has already been awarded and preliminary mobilisation work has started at Umroi, full-scale construction cannot begin until the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) grants its final approval.
As per report the aviation regulator is currently reviewing safety protocols and operational procedures linked to construction activities at the airport.The expansion project has been awarded to KCC Buildcon Pvt Ltd, with heavy machinery and workers already being mobilised at the site.
The latest development comes weeks after authorities indicated that expansion work at Shillong Airport would begin soon, with larger aircraft operations expected after completion of the project.
However, officials now expect the start of major construction work to be delayed by at least two to three months due to the pending DGCA clearance.
Related : Shillong Airport expansion work to begin soon; larger aircraft operations expected in 15 months
The project is considered crucial for Meghalaya’s aviation future. Once completed, Shillong Airport will be able to handle larger aircraft instead of remaining limited mainly to ATR-72 operations. Officials believe the upgraded infrastructure could significantly improve passenger traffic, flight frequency and direct connectivity with major Indian cities.
Under the proposed expansion plan, the airport terminal will be enlarged to around 10,500 square metres. Modern facilities including aerobridges, a larger apron, centralised air-conditioning and upgraded passenger amenities are also expected to be added as part of the redevelopment.
Authorities are additionally planning smaller convenience facilities such as an ATM and food kiosk outside the terminal area. For years, Umroi Airport has struggled with operational limitations caused by restricted infrastructure, weather-related challenges and runway constraints.
Although flights introduced under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme initially generated optimism, several services were later discontinued, limiting Meghalaya’s direct air links with other cities.
At present, Shillong Airport handles around five to ten flights daily, mainly connecting Meghalaya with Kolkata, Imphal and Aizawl, while services to Delhi remain limited to only a few days each week.
While the latest delay may appear procedural, it also reflects a broader challenge frequently seen across infrastructure projects in the Northeast, where approvals, technical clearances and regulatory processes often slow projects long after public announcements are made.
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