HC Orders Acceleration of Shillong Airport Expansion

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the Defence Ministry, State Government, AAI, and DGCA to speed up the stalled Shillong Airport expansion under a PIL filed in 2021. Authorities must now acquire 22 acres (10.3 from defense and 11.75 from private land) at a cost of ₹72.17 crore, with land transfer expected by end of July. The project includes extending Runway 4 by 571 m to enable safer aircraft operations. Tenders will be issued once environmental and land clearances are secured. The court emphasized that completion is crucial for boosting regional connectivity, tourism, and economic growth, and will review progress again by August 12.