SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government is close to finalizing a bid to enable the operation of Embraer aircraft for direct Shillong-Delhi flights six days a week.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma recently revealed that the state government is actively working to introduce the 72-seater Embraer jet for direct flights to New Delhi.
This was stated by the chief minister during a tourism conclave held recently at the State Convention Centre in Shillong.
He claimed that the state has made significant progress in the aviation sector since 2018.
CM Sangma stated that before 2018, Meghalaya lacked regular air services, relying solely on infrequent flights between Shillong and Kolkata.
“We have made significant progress in the aviation sector as multiple flights now operate from Shillong Airport,” Sangma said.
The chief minister said the introduction of the Embraer jet will be a potential game-changer, reducing travel time to the national capital to approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.
He said that the tendering process for this service is in its final stages, though financial aspects, such as Viability Gap Funding, remain under deliberation.
The government plans to operate these flights six days a week and is also exploring similar routes to other major cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai, he added.
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).
Conrad pointed out that bigger planes require advanced technology such as laser-guided approach lighting systems (ALS) and require seven kilometers of clear visibility with no obstruction beyond 400 feet.
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He said, “Currently, a mountain obstructs the path that is located 6 kilometres from the airport and it would cost around Rs 7,000 crore to remove the mountain and extend the runway.”
“We are hopeful that with new studies and technology, we will find an alternative to allow larger planes to land,” Sangma said.
