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The Meghalaya High Court has sought a preliminary report from the State Government of Meghalaya on whether to build a greenfield airport or expand the existing Umroi Airport.

The division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh said, "It is hoped that something concrete regarding the development of the State is planned, with a greenfield airport project or an expanded Umroi Airport as its centre being a harbinger or catalyst for the overall development of the State that would create employment opportunities and add to the wellbeing and happiness quotient of the residents here."

Earlier, Court had asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to file a comprehensive affidavit in connection with the viability of the Umroi Airport expansion for long-haul flights and larger aircrafts.

Court noted that the affidavit filed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) was not optimistic about the feasibility of the extended runways at the Umroi Airport and it suggests for the State to identify one or more areas for a greenfield airport project.

Therefore, stressing that the State appears to be keen that bigger aircraft are able to land either at Umroi Airport or any other place closer to Shillong than the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport at Guwahati, Court said,

"Whether in expanding Umroi Airport or in setting up a new greenfield airport, will depend on the projected use, both on the basis of AAI expert’s understanding in such regard and the extent to which the State Government intends to give a fillip to tourism and make Meghalaya or the area around Shillong a lucrative tourist destination."

Court further stated that the idea of a bigger airport is intricately connected with the vision of the State over the next 40 to 50 years, how it intends to attract the kind of industry that may be sustainable in the State or develop tourism without compromising with the pristine nature that the State is endowed with.

Therefore, Court said that "the overall picture has to be in place, including the development of roads, creation of employment opportunities, setting up of educational institutions, augmentation of healthcare facilities and the like; and, the airport project can be used as central to the overall scheme of development in the State."

Court also suggested that the State may also consider the revival or augmentation of the facilities at the now almost abandoned airport at Tura.

The order has come in a Public Interest Litigation pertaining to the development and possible expansion of the facilities at the Umroi Airport. The next hearing in the case will be on May 10, 2022. 

Case Title: Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya v. State of Meghalaya & Ors.