SHILLONG: As Shillong Airport lacks regular flights with airlines unwilling to operate here, the Meghalaya Transport Minister HDR Lyngdoh has asserted that some private companies have approached the government to operate from Umroi airport.
Talking to reporters, Lyngdoh said that the government is examining all proposals that have been received so far.
Purbayan Airlines, based in Guwahati, has approached the Meghalaya government and the group is keen to operate from Shillong.
Most of the bigger companies are unwilling to operate out of Umroi airport since it lacks infrastructure and the runway is not suitable for landing larger aircraft.
Reacting to a query, Lyngdoh said that the state government has asked the Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner to acquire land for the expansion of the airport and the DC is handling the matter.
“As soon as the land acquisition is complete, all the infrastructure development activities will start,” Lyngdoh said.
Earlier, Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, stopped its service from Shillong on June 1, although services are set to restart on August 1.
Lyngdoh further said that he has asked for a report from the department as to why Alliance Air had halted its services.