SHILLONG, Jan 10 2026: The Shillong Airport expansion at Umroi is now expected to extend beyond the state government’s original target of 2027 for handling larger aircraft as critical approvals and land transfers remain incomplete.
Officials said the project cannot proceed fully until it receives environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The approval, which is still under process, is a necessary step before major runway or terminal work can begin, sources familiar with the matter said.
Work on extending the existing runway from 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres is a key component of the expansion plan. Once completed, the longer runway will allow narrow‑body aircraft such as Boeing and Airbus models to land and operate from Shillong, significantly improving connectivity. However, without the environmental clearance, contractors are unable to start the bulk of the construction.
Another delay factor is the pending handover of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Though the Meghalaya High Court has directed authorities to transfer the required land, officials in Ri‑Bhoi district are still in the process of completing the formalities. Local administrators said they are striving to finish the land transfer by January 31, which is expected to clear the way for full project mobilisation.
Eight bidders have already responded to the tender for the expansion work, and financial bids have been opened. The final bidder selection process is ongoing, with officials cross‑verifying offers before awarding the contract.
Beyond runway extension, the project includes building a new terminal, revamping staff quarters, and enlarging the parking area. Current airport operations handle about four flights a day, serving roughly 7,000–8,000 passengers per month, figures that are expected to rise once the expansion is complete.
Related improvements outside the primary expansion plan include a tender for a retail outlet near the airport and the planned installation of two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Discussions are also underway to introduce prepaid taxi services to enhance commuter convenience.
While officials did not provide a new fixed timeline for the completion of the Shillong Airport expansion, they say the goal remains to begin work as soon as all statutory permissions and land matters are resolved.
