The Meghalaya government is moving closer to operationalising the long-awaited Baljek Airport in West Garo Hills. Designed to handle 20-seater aircraft, the airport is poised to become a key gateway to the western part of the state, enhancing regional air connectivity and giving a major boost to tourism, business, and emergency services.
A Step Forward for Meghalaya’s Aviation Sector
After years of delay due to land acquisition, funding, and infrastructure hurdles, Baljek Airport Meghalaya is finally on the verge of coming to life. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma recently visited the site to review progress and reiterated the government’s commitment to make the airport operational soon.
The airport, which was initially conceived in 1983 and saw its foundation laid in 1995, has undergone multiple phases of development. Now, with renewed funding under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme and active support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the facility is being readied to accommodate small regional aircraft with seating capacities of 20 to 40 passengers.
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Strategic Location of Baljek Airport
Situated just 33 km from Tura, the largest town in the Garo Hills region, Baljek Airport is strategically positioned to serve not only Meghalaya but also border areas of Assam and Bangladesh. The location is expected to improve connectivity for people in rural and hilly regions who often face long travel times due to poor road infrastructure.
The airport will significantly reduce travel time to Shillong, Guwahati, and other regional hubs, benefiting tourists, business travelers, and local residents. It will also be vital for emergency medical evacuations and disaster relief operations in the region, which often suffers from floods and landslides.
Infrastructure and Operational Readiness
According to officials from the Meghalaya Transport and Civil Aviation Department, work is underway to finalize the runway extension, terminal building, air traffic control infrastructure, and basic navigational aids. Once completed, the airport will be equipped to host aircraft such as the Dornier 228 and Cessna Caravan, which are ideal for short-haul regional routes.
The airport’s operations will be managed in coordination with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). A proposal has also been sent to several private regional airlines to begin services under the UDAN scheme once all safety and regulatory clearances are obtained.
Boost for Tourism and Local Economy
The operationalisation of West Garo Hills airport is expected to unlock enormous tourism potential in the region. Garo Hills is home to scenic destinations such as Nokrek National Park, Pelga Falls, and Siju Caves, which attract eco-tourists and adventure enthusiasts. However, limited accessibility has hampered tourism growth.
With Baljek Airport coming online, the region could see a rise in domestic tourists, as well as cross-border visitors from Bangladesh. Local businesses, farmers, and handicraft artisans are also likely to benefit from improved logistics and connectivity to larger markets.
Meghalaya Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh commented, “Baljek will not only reduce Meghalaya’s aviation dependency on Assam but also open a new economic corridor in the Garo Hills.”
Meghalaya’s Broader Aviation Vision
Meghalaya aviation news in recent months has shown a clear focus on expanding the state’s aerial infrastructure. Apart from Baljek, the government is working on improving the Shillong Airport and has expressed interest in exploring heliport services in remote areas.
The state aims to tap into central government support to bridge connectivity gaps and position itself as a vital node in the Northeast’s transportation network.
The nearing completion and operationalisation of Baljek Airport in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills represents a landmark moment in the state’s journey toward enhanced regional air connectivity. With infrastructure almost ready and administrative processes in motion, this long-pending project could soon transform into a regional aviation hub, linking the Garo Hills to the rest of India and beyond.
As the countdown begins, Baljek Airport Meghalaya holds the promise of new economic opportunities, stronger integration with national development goals, and a faster, more connected future for the people of western Meghalaya.
