Shillong Airport, also called Umroi Airport or Barapani Airport, is the main airport in Meghalaya. It connects the beautiful hill station of Shillong to major cities in India. If you are planning a trip to Meghalaya, knowing about this airport will help you travel smoothly.
In this blog, we will cover everything about Shillong Airport – its history, facilities, airlines, nearby hotels, and future plans. We will also answer common questions like “How many airports are in Meghalaya?” and “What is the nearest airport to Shillong?”
What is Shillong Airport Name?
The Shillong Airport name is Umroi Airport. Some people also call it Barapani Airport. It is located in Umroi, Ri Bhoi district, about 30 km from Shillong city.
The airport is small but very important for Meghalaya. It helps people travel to and from Shillong easily.
Shillong Airport Name – Umroi Airport
Quick Facts About Shillong Airport
Here are some important details about Shillong Airport:
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Shillong Airport Name | Umroi Airport, Shillong Airport, Barapani Airport |
| Location | Nongrah Umroi, Shillong, Meghalaya, India 793103 |
| Airport Code | SHL |
| ICAO Code | VEBI |
| Type | Public |
| Opened (New Terminal) | June 2011 |
| Owner/Operator | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Serves | Shillong |
| Runway Length | 6,000 ft |
| Terminals | 1 (Domestic) |
| Elevation | 887 m (2,910 ft) |
History of Shillong Airport
Shillong Airport was built in the 1960s, but flights started only in the 1970s. In 2009, the government decided to expand the airport. A new terminal was built and opened in June 2011.
Later, in 2015, more land was given to improve the airport. By 2017, the runway was made longer, and better landing systems were added.
In 2019, the airport got permission to handle bigger planes like ATR 72 and Q400. Airlines like IndiGo started flights under the UDAN scheme, making travel easier.
Shillong Airport or Barapani Airport
Future Plans for Shillong Airport
The government wants to make the runway longer so bigger planes like Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 can land. But cutting hills for expansion was too expensive.
Now, a new plan is being made to extend the runway by 900 metres using only 22 acres of land. This will be cheaper and safer for the environment. The work may start soon.
Facilities at Shillong Airport
Even though the airport is small, it has all the basic facilities:
✔ Free trolleys
✔ Wheelchairs for disabled passengers
✔ Childcare room
✔ Help for elderly people
✔ Lost and found counter
✔ Baggage counter
✔ Food stalls and cafes
✔ Taxi and bus services
✔ Duty-free shops
Airlines and Destinations from Shillong Airport
Shillong Airport connects to many Indian cities. Here are the airlines and their routes:
- IndiGo – Flights to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati
- Air India – Flights to Kolkata, Imphal
- Alliance Air – Flights to Aizawl, Dimapur
The busiest route is Shillong to Kolkata, with 11 flights per week.
Hotels Near Shillong Airport
If you need to stay near the airport, here are some good hotels:
| Hotel Name | Distance from Airport | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Farms and Resort | 6 km | 3.9 ★ |
| Tyndai Resort | 1.7 km | 3.8 ★ |
| Ri Kanaan Resort | 6.5 km | 4.0 ★ |
| Lamang Maïan Resort | 2.6 km | 4.3 ★ |
| CK Resort | 6.4 km | 4.0 ★ |
Hotel at Shillong
Tourist Places Near Shillong Airport
If you have time, visit these nearby places:
- 🌄 Dwar Ksuid (4.3 km from the airport) – A scenic viewpoint
- 🌿 Umroi View Point (5.4 km from the airport) – Great for nature lovers
Shillong Meghalaya Tourism
How to Reach Shillong Airport
You can reach the airport by:
- 🚗 Taxi – Best option, takes 50-60 minutes from Shillong city.
- 🚌 Bus – MTC buses run from Shillong to the airport.
Shillong Airport Contact Details
For any help, contact:
📞 Phone: 0364-2307470 or 9436332580
📧 Email: apdshillong@aai.aero
Conclusion
Now you know the Shillong Airport name is Umroi Airport. It is a small but important airport for Meghalaya. With new expansion plans, it will soon handle more flights.
If you visit Shillong, this airport will make your journey easy. Safe travels!
FAQs About Shillong Airport Name
1. What is the official Shillong Airport name?
The official name is Umroi Airport, but people also call it Shillong Airport or Barapani Airport.
2. How far is Shillong Airport from the city?
The airport is 30 km from Shillong city. It takes about 50-60 minutes by car.
3. Which airlines operate from Shillong Airport?
Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Alliance Air operate flights from here.
4. Are there hotels near Shillong Airport?
Yes, hotels like Tyndai Resort and Lamang Maïan Resort are nearby.
5. Will Shillong Airport get bigger in the future?
Yes, the government plans to extend the runway to handle bigger planes.
