Shillong, Nov 14: Meghalaya’s tourism sector is reaching new heights as Umiam Lake prepares to host the state’s first seven-star hotel, alongside a new seaplane service aimed at enhancing regional connectivity.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma attended a seaplane demonstration at Umiam Lake’s Water Sports Complex today, marking a milestone for Meghalaya’s tourism infrastructure. Organized by the Transport Department and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the event was also welcomed by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ramohan Naidu.
The seaplane demonstrated today, manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada and managed by SpiceJet, showcased how this mode of travel can blend smoothly into Meghalaya’s natural and logistical landscape.
Chief Minister Sangma shared his vision for Meghalaya as a premier travel destination, noting that with Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends Report ranking Shillong as India’s top spot, the timing for such developments couldn’t be better. “The seven-star hotel at Umiam Lake is just the start,” Sangma said, “and the seaplane service will make it easier for visitors to experience the full beauty of our state.”
Reflecting on his experiences as a young entrepreneur travelling by bus across the Northeast, Sangma highlighted how time-consuming journeys could be.
“Back then, it could take up to 20 hours to reach state capitals like Kohima and Imphal,” he said. “Since we took office in 2018, we’ve worked to make aviation a priority for Meghalaya. With the UDAN scheme’s regional connectivity focus, we’ve seen significant progress, but seaplanes could take this a step further.”
Sangma emphasized that successful seaplane operations would hinge on developing a broader ecosystem. “For seaplanes to truly enhance connectivity, they must link to a thriving network of tourism, trade, and services,” he explained.
“With Meghalaya poised as a top destination, the seaplane service can make regional tourism more accessible, allowing visitors to seamlessly move between attractions across the Northeast.”
Seaplanes, which require only 200 meters of water with a depth of five meters to operate, could transform travel across Meghalaya’s water-rich landscape. Sangma noted that creating small, landing-ready water reservoirs could be a cost-effective alternative to building full airstrips. Projects like the new reservoir in Tura, which is also addressing local water needs, could eventually double as a seaplane landing site.
Civil Aviation Minister Naidu pointed out that India’s natural geography—with its 1,300 islands, countless lakes and rivers, and extensive coastline—is perfect for seaplane services. “We’re committed to supporting Meghalaya’s aviation needs, and the infrastructure at Umiam Lake is an ideal starting point,” he said. “Seaplanes can unlock unique economic and tourism opportunities for the Northeast.”
