Shillong: The Meghalaya government is close to finalizing a financial bid to introduce Embraer aircraft for direct Shillong-Delhi flights six days a week.
Given that Umroi Airport cannot accommodate larger planes, the state has opted for smaller jet aircraft. The Embraer planes, which seat 72 passengers, will take approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes—the same time as larger Airbus A320 flights from Guwahati to Delhi.
This development was announced by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma during a tourism conclave held at the State Convention Centre on Wednesday. Sangma shared that tenders for the project are nearly complete, and the government is moving towards finalization.
“Of course, there is a financial impact, as we have to account for viability gap funding. But we are confident that direct flights to Delhi, six days a week, will be a game changer,” Sangma stated.
He also expressed hopes of expanding flights to other cities. “We want the same airlines to operate flights to Mumbai, possibly Bangalore and Hyderabad, even if it’s two to three days a week. This would be another game changer for the state.”
The financial bid is currently open, and the final decision is expected by the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the government is working to make Umroi Airport fully operational for airlines like Indigo and Air India Express. However, challenges remain with the Instrument Landing System (ILS).
“The issue is not the runway itself, but the ILS. It requires seven kilometers of clear visibility with no obstruction beyond 400 feet. Currently, a mountain obstructs the path at around the sixth kilometer,” Sangma explained.
He added that it would cost around Rs. 7,000 crores to remove the mountain and extend the runway, an expense the state cannot bear. However, the government is exploring the feasibility of newer ILS technology, as the existing system is a decade old.
“We are hopeful that with new studies and technology, we will find an alternative to allow larger planes to land. This process is ongoing,” Sangma said.
Also Read: A Orchid that never opens its flower discovered in Sikkim