Anyone requiring urgent evacuation from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai or any other state capital barring Kolkata faces significant delay and inconvenience especially when the person needs urgent medical attention. It is unclear how those ruling this state for over fifty years never realised the urgency of having a fully functional airport within the state, or why Meghalaya is still the only state heavily reliant on Guwahati airport for onward travel to Delhi and other states. Shillong airport is not just convenient and addresses the problems of Shillong tourist taxis. It is also a question of economic connectivity, public safety, healthcare access, tourism and the state's ability to participate in national and international opportunities.
Meghalaya's complete dependence on Guwahati for most air travel imposes a significant penalty in time, cost and accessibility. Besides, Meghalaya's difficult terrain makes reliable air connectivity particularly important. Therefore, an airport should be seen as essential public infrastructure, not simply a tourism project. It is disappointing, to say the least, that the state which was once the capital of all 7 states does not yet have an airport while all the other states are now well connected by air, and this exposes the lop-sided priorities of successive governments. Currently, there has been some movement on the long-delayed expansion of Umroi Airport. The existing runway is 1,829 metres and is suitable for ATR-72 aircraft. The proposed expansion will extend it to 2,400 metres, with improvements to the terminal building, apron and associated facilities. The Meghalaya government allocated Rs 150 crore for Umroi Airport in its 2026-27 Budget. On November 3, 2026, the Meghalaya High Court recorded that construction work had commenced, with earth-moving machinery deployed at the site. However the project also involves addressing flight-path obstacles and ensuring that neighbouring villages retain road access. These are important obligations that must be fulfilled alongside construction.
Meghalaya can no longer afford to delay the completion of Umroi airport because a few institutions of national importance are located here. Businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals need dependable connectivity. A long road journey to Guwahati adds to the cost of doing business in Meghalaya. Now Meghalaya is promoting itself as a major tourism destination. But tourism cannot grow sustainably if visitors face difficult and expensive last-mile connectivity. Above all patients requiring specialised treatment, medical professionals and emergency medical supplies would benefit from better air access. Students, researchers and professionals need easier access to institutions, conferences and opportunities elsewhere in the country. Considering that Meghalaya shares international borders with Bangladesh and is part of the Act East Policy better air connectivity would strengthen the state's economic and administrative integration.Now that the KSU has asked for better air connectivity they need to also consider the importance of rail connectivity to Meghalaya because road transport has become the reason for the spiralling cost of essential food items in the state. Students' Unions and other youth bodies (read pressure groups) must start thinking big instead of regurgitating on the same issues. The Railways will bring employment and should not be held captive to the demand for the Inner Line Permit.