By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: The Meghalaya government is confident that Baljek Airport will soon be connected by flights once its upgrade is completed.
At present, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is working on a proposal from the state government to revive and upgrade the defunct Baljek Airport located at Jengjal.
The government plans to operate a 20-seater aircraft from the airport under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme.
Earlier this year, the state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the AAI to make the airport operational and initiate air services for the people of the region. 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 former President Pratibha Patil in 2008, the airport remains non-functional.
Sources in the state government defended the move to develop the airport for smaller 19- to 20-seater aircraft, rather than aiming for larger ATR-72 operations. Officials maintain that the plan is more practical, considering the expected passenger volume.
It is learnt that once the necessary infrastructure is ready, the government may request Alliance Air, which already operates 20-seater flights in the Northeast, to connect Tura with Shillong and other regional destinations. If required, the government may also consider offering Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to support the airline.
At present, the airport premises are being used as a venue for music festivals and other public events.
