In a major step towards enhancing regional air connectivity, the Meghalaya government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to operationalise Baljek Airport in the West Garo Hills district. The agreement, signed by the state’s Transport Department and AAI, covers the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the airport along with the Communications, Navigation & Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) requirements. The signing ceremony took place at Baljek Airport in Jengjal, located approximately 30 kilometers from Tura, the district headquarters.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the agreement as a defining moment for Meghalaya, especially for the Garo Hills region. Emphasizing the long-term vision, he stated that the airport is poised to become a logistics hub for the region due to its strategic proximity to Bangladesh and other northeastern states. The immediate goal is to commence operations with 20-seater aircraft, with future plans to accommodate larger planes such as the ATR-72, gradually transforming the airport into a vital gateway for commerce and tourism.
Under the agreement, AAI will begin the process of obtaining the required operating license, thereby initiating steps toward regular regional flight services. Baljek Airport, originally inaugurated in 2008 by then-President Pratibha Patil, has remained non-operational despite successful test landings, due to delays related to infrastructure and regulatory approvals.
Earlier attempts to operationalise the airport included DPR submissions by AAI in 2010 and 2017, followed by the acquisition of 56.5 acres of additional land by the Meghalaya government. In 2020, AAI expressed willingness to take over operations but requested a total of 125 acres for Phase-I development and an additional 115 acres for future Phase-II expansion. To expedite the long-stalled project, the state government recently proposed a handover on an “as is where is” basis, which AAI has now accepted. Technical and regulatory processes are currently underway to bring the airport into active service, marking a historic turning point in Meghalaya’s infrastructure development and connectivity goals.
