About Shillong Airport – Gateway To The Hills Of Meghalaya

Most people living in Shillong follow Christianity and the city follows a matrilineal system where family lineage and property pass through women. This system is very different from most parts of India and attracts cultural researchers and curious travellers.

Next, food is an important part of Shillong culture. Visitors here enjoy trying local street food at small stalls and local markets. Jadoh is one of the most popular dishes and it is made using rice and pork. 

Tungrymbai is another traditional dish prepared from fermented soybeans and has a strong flavour. Momos are also widely available and loved by tourists, local sweets such as Pukhein, Sakin Gata and Kyat are commonly eaten and sold in local shops.

Because of its rolling hills, cool climate, misty views and green valleys, Shillong is often called the Eastern Scotland. The natural surroundings remind many visitors of Scotland which is how the city got its name.

Shillong Airport is officially known as Umroi Airport and is also called Barapani Airport. The airport code is SHL and its located at Umroi in Meghalaya, India. This airport handles only domestic flights and connects Shillong to major cities across the country.

Shillong Airport serves as an operational hub for Alliance Air and IndiGo. The airport was first developed in the 1960s and began regular operations in the mid 1970s. It is managed by the Airports Authority of India with support from the Indian Air Force.

A new terminal building was opened in 2011 to improve passenger facilities but later an Instrument Landing System was installed and became operational in 2015. This system helps aircraft land safely during poor weather and low- visibility conditions. 

The airport is located nearly 30 km away from Shillong city and plays a key role in improving connectivity for the Northeast region of India.

Shillong Airport has only one terminal building and this terminal handles all passenger movement such as arrivals, departures, check-in, security checks, baggage handling, boarding and disembarking.

All passengers taking flight to Shillong use this terminal regardless of airline or destination. The terminal acts as the main point of interaction between passengers and airlines. 

Shillong Airport operates with one domestic terminal. The terminal can handle around 100 passengers at a time including both arrivals and departures. There are approximately s6 check-in counters available for passengers.

The security area has one main security checkpoint. The arrival and departure section can accommodate around 50 passengers and IndiGo currently operates daily flights from Shillong Airport to direct connectivity with Kolkata.

Shillong Airport handles only domestic flight operations. No international flights operate from this Shillong airport. Passengers traveling abroad must take connecting flights through other major airports.

The busiest and most frequently used route from Shillong Airport is to Kolkata Airport. Flights operate daily on this route which helps connect Meghalaya with eastern India.

The three most used airlines operate from Shillong Airport.

Alliance Air operates flights to five destinations like Aizawl, Dimapur, Guwahati, Lilabari and Tezpur.

While the IndiGo connects travellers with Shillong to three destinations: Dibrugarh, Imphal and Kolkata.

And SpiceJet operates flights to two destinations, Delhi and Kolkata.

Shillong Airport is well connected to the city through different transport options. Travelers can choose based on comfort travel time and budget.

Public buses run by Meghalaya Transport Corporation connect Shillong Airport to the city. The main bus stand at Jaiaw is about 30 to 40 minutes away. The route goes through GS Road and the distance is around 25 kilometres. 

People can also travel with trains and the nearest railway station is Guwahati Railway Station at Paltan Bazaar. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the station. The distance between the station and Shillong airport is nearly 95 km. 

Cabs and taxis are also easily available between the city and the airport. Services like Ola and Uber also work in this area, if you want a comfortable direct drop service then this will be the best.

Passengers usually carry valuable items, documents and personal belongings while travelling. Shillong Airport provides basic baggage support services to assist travellers.

Passengers must check baggage allowance with their airline before travelling. Allowance depends on the ticket type and destination. Extra baggage requires additional payment or a ticket upgrade.

Baggage trolleys are available throughout the terminal. These help passengers move heavy luggage easily and reduce crowd congestion.

Many airlines allow web check-in to save time at the airport and help complete baggage procedures smoothly. A self-baggage drop facility is also available which reduces waiting time.

If baggage is lost, passengers should contact the airline immediately. A lost and found counter is available at the airport so the passengers must describe the luggage clearly and provide travel details.

Passengers can also contact airport authorities with accurate information about travel time, flight and location is required and baggage must be reported within 90 days while as perishable items are stored only for 48 days.

Required documents include a valid government ID, boarding pass and proof of luggage ownership.

Passengers must carry necessary travel documents such as a boarding pass and identity proof because these documents are required even to enter the airport terminal.

Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure as security checks and check-in procedures take time especially during peak travel hours.

Passengers must locate their airline counter for check-in while the security staff inspect baggage for prohibited items and boarding starts once the airline announces passenger groups.

Lounge Facilities

Private lounges are available at Shillong Airport and these lounges offer comfortable seating, and a quiet place to relax with complimentary food and drinks are also provided. 

Wi Fi and Charging Points

Free Wi Fi is not available in the main terminal but Wi Fi access and charging stations are available inside private lounges.

Dining Options

Several restaurants are located near Shillong Airport but some popular options like Soilyna Huts, Cherpunji Halari, Orchid and Soul Kitchen Restaurant. These places serve local cuisine and regular meals.

Shillong Airport is planned for major expansion to handle increasing passenger traffic. The runway extension project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. After expansion, more airlines may start operating from the airport. 

Shillong Airport plays an important role in connecting Meghalaya with other parts of India. The airport supports tourism business and daily travel for local people and visitors. Facilities like lounges, food options and different transport services make travel easier for passengers. With future expansion plans, the airport is expected to handle more flights and more travellers.

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