The residents of Meghalaya are excited that the much-awaited expansion of the Shillong Airport finally seems to be happening that will enable larger aircrafts to land, improving its connectivity to the rest of the nation. But the ground reality may throw some cold water on those dreams as a rapid change is taking place around the vicinity of the airport, where the land is to be acquired.
The Meghalaya state government has announced that an additional 16-17 acres of land is needed to expand Shillong Airport, following a recent survey report. This land will support the runway extension and essential safety zones required for accommodating larger aircraft.
Addressing media persons, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang said, “To ensure there is no escalation of law and order in the state as well as in Ri Bhoi and East Khasi Hills, we have decided that we will write from the government to the Airport Authority of India to deny them landing facility for their flight tomorrow.”
The State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal to acquire additional land for expansion of the two airports in the state - Shillong Airport and Baljek Airport.
The state government has decided to seek exemption from the Centre on certain guidelines in order to pave way for the expansion of the Shillong Airport.
