By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 5: Tura MP Saleng Sangma has slammed the state government’s move to develop the Baljek Airport for only a 20-seater aircraft, questioning whether the government is planning to turn it into a private airport.
Speaking to media persons here, Sangma urged the Meghalaya government to ink a fresh memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to develop Baljek Airport in a way that would facilitate operations of at least 75-seater aircraft such as the ATR 72 and Embraer E175.
Pointing out that larger aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing jets operate from smaller airports such as Lengpui in Mizoram and even Lakshadweep, he questioned the rationale behind the state government’s decision to settle for only a 20-seater aircraft at Baljek.
“What are you going to do with the 20-seater flights? Is the government looking to operate only private jets from Baljek Airport?” Sangma asked.
Recalling his earlier meeting with the AAI, he said the airport authorities had no clue about Baljek Airport, even though it was inaugurated by former President of India Pratibha Patil in the presence of the late Purno Sangma in 2008. The AAI has reportedly sought some time to provide further details on the matter.
Sangma further informed that during another meeting with the AAI earlier this year, the authority did not even have the airport’s map, and it was only as recently as June-July this year that the Meghalaya government signed an MoU with AAI for the airport’s expansion.
Stating that people from Garo Hills have to travel all the way to Guwahati to catch a flight, he urged the state government to obtain a licence at the earliest to commence flight operations from the airport.
Earlier, the state government had expressed confidence that Baljek Airport would soon be connected by flights once its upgrade is completed.
Originally designed as a STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) facility, Baljek Airport has a runway length of approximately 1,120 metres, which limits its operational capacity. Seventeen years after it was inaugurated by Patil in 2008, the airport remains non-functional.
At present, the airport premises are being used as a venue for music festivals and other public events.
