Fri Oct 03 06:59:26 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that the runway at Shillong’s Umroi Airport will be extended to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft by the last quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. This ₹500 crore project, including terminal upgrades, will commence in October and is expected to be completed within 15 months. Overcoming obstacles such as a previous unfavorable AAI report and land acquisition challenges, the extension will significantly boost connectivity and tourism in Meghalaya, enabling direct flights from more cities.

**News Article:**

**Shillong Airport Runway Extension to Boost Meghalaya Tourism by 2027**

*SHILLONG, October 3, 2025* – Meghalaya is poised to receive a major boost to its tourism sector with the announcement that Shillong’s Umroi Airport will undergo a significant expansion. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma revealed that a ₹500 crore project, encompassing a 550-metre runway extension and terminal upgrades, is set to begin this month and is projected to be completed by the last quarter of the 2026-27 financial year.

The expansion will allow the airport to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft, opening up the possibility of direct flights from a greater number of cities. Currently, Umroi Airport only offers limited connectivity to Kolkata, Aizawl, Imphal, and Delhi, forcing other air travelers to rely on Guwahati International Airport and a subsequent three-hour road journey.

The project overcame considerable hurdles, including a 15-year-old Airports Authority of India (AAI) report deeming the extension unfeasible due to the surrounding mountainous terrain. However, advancements in technology prompted a new study, which gave the green light to the project. Land acquisition, including negotiations with the Army, also posed a challenge that was eventually resolved.

“I anticipate flights to start landing by the last quarter of 2026–27,” said Sangma. “Several domestic airlines have conducted surveys and expressed willingness to operate services once the runway is extended. It will be a game-changer for the tourism sector, and we are preparing for that moment to accommodate the tourist inflow.”

The runway extension is expected to be a major catalyst for Meghalaya’s tourism industry, providing easier access and attracting more visitors to the region.

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