SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has expressed confidence that the long-pending expansion of Shillong Airport is progressing steadily, with the State targeting operations for larger commercial aircraft by early 2027.
Providing an update on the project, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the expansion remains a complex undertaking, involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory clearances. However, he said the government has been gradually addressing issues that have historically delayed the project.
Sangma revealed that new challenges have emerged following the involvement of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), particularly concerning flight safety and the protection of residents living close to the airport.
“Another land issue has come up which we are trying to resolve. This was flagged by the DGCA and relates to the safety of aircraft operations as well as people residing in that area,” the Chief Minister said.
He added that the concern, although not identified earlier, was rightly raised once aviation safety norms were closely examined.
To ensure the project does not face further setbacks, the State Government has adopted a parallel execution strategy:
Runway Expansion: Allotment and construction work for runway extension will continue as planned.
Issue Resolution: Land-related and technical concerns raised by DGCA will be addressed simultaneously while construction is underway.
Sangma stressed that the runway expansion — crucial for accommodating larger and wide-bodied aircraft — is not expected to face major delays.
The government has already identified around 11.75 acres of private land for acquisition, along with a land-swap arrangement with the Ministry of Defence, as part of the expansion plan.
Outlining the project timeline, the Chief Minister said the State is aiming for the first quarter of 2027 to begin operations for larger aircraft.
“We had a rough estimate that by February–March 2027 we should be able to start larger flights. There may be minor fluctuations of a few months, but 2027 remains our clear target,” he said.
Once operational, the expanded Shillong Airport is expected to significantly improve connectivity, reduce the nearly three-hour road journey from Guwahati, and act as a major catalyst for tourism and economic growth in Meghalaya.
