Meghalaya's Major Tourism Boost with Shillong Airport Expansion

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the expansion of Shillong airport's runway, marking a transformative advancement for local tourism and connectivity. This initiative signifies a collaborative effort among stakeholders to position Meghalaya prominently on global tourism maps, fostering economic growth and infrastructure development across the state.

In a significant development for Meghalaya's tourism sector, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma declared that the central government has awarded a contract for the expansion of the runway at Shillong airport. This project, poised for completion in approximately 15 months, is expected to allow larger aircraft operations, thereby boosting the state's tourism and connectivity.

Addressing an event at Orchid Lake in Umiam, Sangma emphasized the necessity of improved connectivity to strengthen Meghalaya's position as a premier tourist destination. The event, organized by the tourism department, gathered stakeholders from various sectors, highlighting the importance of collective effort for successful tourism development.

Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira underscored tourism as a crucial economic pillar, referencing nearly 18 lakh anticipated tourist arrivals in 2025. The state is actively working on over 150 tourism projects to cement its status as a global contender, including initiatives like the Shillong Ropeway and Living Root Bridge Museum.