Wings Over Tura: Baljek Airport Set for 2027 Revival Under AAI

Baljek Airport, located in Tura, Meghalaya, is slated to commence operations between July and September 2027 following its full transition to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced that an upcoming memorandum of understanding, scheduled for September, will empower AAI to fund and spearhead the airport's development, mirroring its management model at Shillong Airport. The Meghalaya government currently possesses 211.13 acres of land for the site. However, AAI requires an expansion during Phase I to safely handle 72-seater aircraft. State and AAI officials will execute a joint inspection to determine exact land specifications and mitigate future logistical hurdles. Physical renovations encompassing the terminal building and runway are projected to span nine to ten months.

This revitalization initiative aims to bolster air connectivity across the Garo Hills region and streamline passenger transit. Furthermore, the comprehensive AAI takeover is poised to stimulate long-term infrastructure investments, with subsequent phased upgrades anticipated to eventually accommodate larger aircraft.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.