Shillong Airport

ShillongAirport (SHL)

The Shillong Airport is also known as Umroi Airport and is a civilian airport. It is located 30 kilometers from Shillong in Meghalaya, India. The airport was developed during the mid-sixties and operations commenced in the mid-seventies. In June 2009, expansion on 224 acres of land started and the work was completed in May 2010.

The inauguration of the new terminal building took place in June 2011. Further plans for expansion are under discussion and additional land for the purpose has been allotted to the Airport Authority of India.

Flight Information

Air India operates direct flights between Shillong and Kolkatta. Additional cities connected with the airport include Patna, Aizawl, Imphal, Jorhat, Birsa, Silchar, Port Blair, Bagdogra, and Borjhar.

Terminals

The single terminal at Shillong Airport has one boarding gate and it only operates domestic flights. The total capacity of this terminal is 50 each for departures and arrivals. The entire terminal covers an area of 5,900 square meters and provides 6 check-in and 2 security counters for travelers.

Traveling Around

Passengers can use city bus services that are available at the airport. General taxi services that are also available outside the airport may be the best option in terms of convenience and will get you to any part of the city. Several hotels also provide airport shuttle services for the convenience of their guests.

Services and Facilities

General services, such as free trolleys, wheelchairs, a childcare room, escort assistance to the physically-challenged and aged, and a lost and found baggage counter are available at the airport. In addition, transit passengers are provided with two rest rooms at the airport. X-ray baggage screening facilities are available at the departure lounge, as well as the sterile area.

Things to Do

Passengers can enjoy light meals and other snacks at the eateries located within the airport premises. Beverages, such as tea, coffee, and cold drinks can also be obtained within the airport premises.

Hotels

Shillong has several hotels in various price ranges that are in close proximity to the airport. Some of these include Zara Residency, Mi Casa, Sanctum, Center Point, Royal Heritage – Tripura Castle, Eee Cee Hotel, Pegasus Crown, and Pinewood Hotel.

Bed and breakfast stays close to the Shillong airport include Rainbow, Traveler's Nest, Rohitz Inn, Pear Tree, White Orchid Guesthouse, Eldorado Guesthouse, Pine Brook, and Silk Route.

Tips for Fliers

Women who travel alone can opt for women-only taxis with lady drivers for their safety.

Tourists planning to visit Cherra on Sunday must carry food and drinks because most shops in the area remain shut on Sundays.

Ensure your taxi driver takes you to the RCC viewpoint, constructed by the government, while visiting Bishop Beadon Falls Viewpoint.

Nearby Attractions

Popular tourist attractions in Shillong include Lady Hydari Park, Ward’s Lake, Cathedral Catholic Church, Captain Williamson Sangma State Museum, and Don Bosco Center for Indigenous Cultures. Visiting the lewduh (Bara Bazaar) is a must, because it is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in the area. The shops are managed by women and deal in different food items, jewelry, and kitchen appliances at amazing prices. The best buys popular among tourists include shyrmit (turmeric) powder, tiny red and green chilies, sohmirit (pepper), and ryndiah (muga silk) shawls.