The Meghalaya High Court has directed the State government to take steps to hand over land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for expansion of the Shillong Airport at Umroi within three months.
The court also directed the Director General of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the AAI to approve and implement a complete plan for the airport once land has been handed over by the government.
The division bench of Chief Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh passed the order today after taking up the public interest litigation (PIL) on the expansion of Umroi airport.
“We are of the view that it is high time that concrete steps are taken for extension of the runway, development of infrastructure and other facilities and overall expansion of this Shillong Airport,” the court said.
The High Court said development of the Shillong Airport is key to advancement of the State and would facilitate the operation of larger, heavier and more sophisticated jet aircrafts, carrying both passengers and cargo, thereby furthering the economic and tourism development of the State.
Advocate General Amit Kumar told the court that measures had been taken for acquisition of land which is required for the expansion but that till date, the land could not be handed over to the airport authorities.
Deputy Solicitor General Dr. Nitesh Mozika who appeared on behalf of the AAI, informed the High Court that the Director General of Civil Aviation is considering the proposal and plan for expansion of the Shillong airport.
The High Court decided to hear the matter on April 14, 2025 1 for further orders and to await the action taken report from the AAI and the State government.
