Work starts on expansion of Shillong (Umroi) airport runway; bigger aircraft targeted for 2027
The Meghalaya government has started runway expansion work at Umroi airport after securing required clearances. The project aims to extend the runway and enable
Work on expanding the runway at Shillong Airport in Umroi has started, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said after a Cabinet meeting. He said the government secured the necessary clearances for the project and described it as a key step toward improving air connectivity in the state.
Runway extension planned to support larger aircraft
The expansion involves extending the existing runway from 1,829 metres to 2,400 metres. The state government said the longer runway is expected to help the airport handle larger aircraft and strengthen direct flight connections to Meghalaya. Sangma stated that the upgraded facility is expected to support landing of bigger flights from major cities by 2027.
The Chief Minister said the project faced challenges, especially around getting required clearances. He added that these issues were resolved after discussions with authorities in New Delhi. He also indicated that the state has been working to meet other requirements linked to aviation operations.
Contract, clearances, and other airport works
Meghalaya’s submission to the High Court had earlier recorded that the work order for the expansion project was awarded to KCC Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. on April 1, 2026. The contract provides for an 18-month construction period, including three months reserved for the monsoon season. The Chief Minister said the project is expected to be completed within a maximum of 15 months, with efforts to finish earlier.
Environmental clearance for the wider expansion was granted on March 28, 2026. The approved plan includes not only the runway extension, but also expansion of the terminal building and the apron, along with related works. The state had earmarked ₹150 crore for Umroi Airport in the 2026-27 Budget. The project also required coordination on aviation safety and flight-path obstacles, and the government said it was seeking execution-level approval from the DGCA while working on removing identified obstacles.
