Shillong Airport Expansion To Boost Meghalaya Tourism

Meghalaya is all set to welcome many more travellers, as Shillong Airport gears up for a major upgrade. The government has announced a significant runway expansion at Umroi, which will allow wide-bodied aircraft to land — a move set to transform the state’s tourism and connectivity.

For years, reaching Meghalaya meant flying into Guwahati and then enduring a three-hour road trip to Shillong. Limited flights and infrastructure meant that even though the state’s waterfalls, root bridges, and rolling landscapes captured the imagination of travellers, access remained a challenge.

That is set to change. With over Rs 500 crore sanctioned for the project, Shillong Airport is expected to be ready for larger aircraft operations by the end of the 2026–27 financial year. Once completed, the airport will directly connect Meghalaya to more parts of India, and possibly international destinations, reducing reliance on Guwahati and encouraging more tourists to fly straight into the state.

The plan to extend the runway had long been considered impossible due to the hilly terrain. Earlier studies had estimated costs as high as Rs 7,000 crore to remove surrounding obstacles. However, advancements in aviation and engineering made a fresh review possible, and the latest assessment confirmed the project’s feasibility. After securing funding and clearances from the Union Government and the Airports Authority of India, tenders have been floated, and construction is expected to begin in October 2025.

The new runway, extending 550 metres, will enable Shillong Airport to handle wide-bodied aircraft and accommodate larger passenger volumes. Airlines have already shown interest in operating new routes once the upgrade is complete.

Beyond convenience, the development promises to revitalise Meghalaya’s tourism economy. Easier access is expected to benefit hotels, homestays, tour operators, and local communities involved in handicrafts, cuisine, and cultural tourism.

More than an infrastructure project, the expansion represents a significant leap towards sustainable tourism growth for the entire Northeast. With its improved connectivity, Meghalaya is poised to become one of India’s most inviting destinations for nature lovers and explorers alike.