Meghalaya’s beautiful landscapes are about to become much more accessible! The state’s only airport in Shillong, Umroi, is undergoing a significant expansion. By the final quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, its runway will be extended, allowing it to comfortably accommodate larger, wide-bodied aircraft. This crucial upgrade is set to dramatically enhance overall connectivity and provide a massive boost to Meghalaya’s thriving tourism sector.
Speaking at a media round-table last month during World Tourism Day celebrations in Shillong, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma shared exciting details. He announced that construction for the ₹500 crore project, which includes a 550-meter runway extension and essential terminal upgrades, is slated to begin this October. The ambitious endeavor is projected to be finished within just 15 months, paving the way for a new era of travel.
Currently, Umroi Airport, situated about 30 kilometers from Shillong, provides direct flights to a limited number of cities, including Kolkata, Aizawl, Imphal, and Delhi. This means many visitors to Meghalaya must first fly into Guwahati International Airport, followed by a somewhat lengthy three-hour road trip to reach the state capital. The expansion aims to alleviate this inconvenience and open up direct routes.
Chief Minister Sangma recalled an earlier report from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) dating back 15 years. This report concluded that even with a runway extension, larger aircraft couldn’t land due to towering mountains obstructing the approach. The estimated cost to remove these natural barriers was a staggering ₹7,000 crore, making it an unfeasible solution at the time.
Recognizing that technology had evolved considerably since the outdated AAI report, the Meghalaya government took a proactive step. A few years ago, they commissioned a new, comprehensive study, bringing in both independent experts and the AAI. This investment, though a risk, ultimately proved to be a highly rewarding decision.
The updated study brought excellent news: a runway extension was now indeed feasible! Mr. Sangma confirmed that clearance was secured approximately two years ago. After extensive discussions with both the Union Government and the AAI, the project received the green light, and the necessary funds were promptly sanctioned. However, as is often the case with large-scale projects, some challenges naturally arose.
One significant hurdle involved land acquisition, particularly a small but crucial plot owned by the Army. Through persistent negotiation, the government successfully brought all parties together, securing the necessary land. This land parcel has since been transferred to the AAI, and the construction tenders have been issued. Work is anticipated to be officially awarded very soon.
Chief Minister Sangma is optimistic, predicting that wide-bodied flights will begin landing at Umroi by the last quarter of 2026-27. He noted that multiple domestic airlines have already conducted feasibility surveys and expressed keen interest in launching services once the runway is complete. This development is poised to be an absolute game-changer for Meghalaya’s tourism, and the state is actively preparing to welcome the anticipated surge in visitors.
(Note: This report was prepared following a visit to Meghalaya at the invitation of Meghalaya Tourism.)