SHILLONG: Member of Parliament Dr. Ricky AJ Syngkon has launched a sharp attack on Meghalaya’s prolonged aviation stagnation, describing the state’s “50 years of inaction” as an embarrassment and a major obstacle to development and tourism growth.
Addressing the media in Shillong, the MP expressed strong dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in upgrading air connectivity, despite Meghalaya’s vast tourism and economic potential.
Referring to his recent visits to neighbouring regions, Dr. Syngkon said Meghalaya continues to lag far behind states such as Agartala and Mizoram, both of which now boast modern and fully functional airports.
“I cannot understand why we are still stuck in time. Agartala and Mizoram have high-standard airports, while Meghalaya remains trapped in a 50-year-old discussion that never leads to action,” he remarked.
The MP also criticised what he termed “deadline diplomacy,” accusing successive governments of misleading the public with unrealistic timelines.
“One leader promises an airport by 2026, another by 2027, yet there is no concrete plan. This is not governance. It only creates confusion,” he said.
Dr. Syngkon demanded an end to what he called baseless assurances, urging leaders to refrain from announcing deadlines unless projects are genuinely ready for execution.
“If it isn’t certain, don’t say it. We don’t need more dates; we need results,” he added.
Highlighting the contradiction between Meghalaya’s tourism branding and its infrastructure, the MP said the absence of a high-capacity, modern airport undermines the state’s ambitions.
“We project ourselves as a leading tourist destination, yet we don’t have a single airport that meets national standards. The gap between our potential and our infrastructure is unacceptable,” he stated.
Dr. Syngkon said the State Government bears a “massive responsibility” to resolve the aviation crisis. He called for coordinated efforts among the Centre, state authorities, and aviation agencies to bring Meghalaya onto India’s modern aviation map.
He urged political leaders to move beyond blame and focus on delivering tangible results for the people of the state.
