Meghalaya HC Directs Fast Completion of Shillong Airport Expansion

SHILLONG: The state government and central authorities have been directed by the High Court of Meghalaya to expedite the long-pending expansion of Shillong Airport in order to enable operations of larger aircraft.

This directive came when a division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh expressed concern over the airport’s limited capabilities during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

Resulting in frequent flight disruptions due to adverse weather, only small aircraft like ATRs can land at the airport presently. Public convenience, tourism, and the state’s economic growth have been severely affected by these disruptions.

The court reviewed submissions from the state’s Advocate General and the Deputy Solicitor General, representing the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Around 22 acres of land are required—10.3 acres under the control of defence authorities and 11.7 acres privately owned to facilitate the expansion. While the state government plans to acquire the private land through a “private treaty” purchase, which the court deemed more efficient than compulsory acquisition, the defence authorities have agreed to lease their land to the AAI.

The state cabinet has been directed by the High Court to approve the private treaty proposal within three weeks and to complete the land acquisition within an additional eight weeks.

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