LEH, Aug 22: In a significant push to expand air connectivity in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena chaired a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and the UT Ladakh Administration at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi to review preparedness for commercial civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil Airport.
The meeting focused on resolving infrastructure, regulatory and operational issues to facilitate the early commencement of civilian flights from the two strategically and socio-economically important airports. The proposed air connectivity is expected to strengthen access to the border areas and provide greater opportunities for tourism and local economic development.
During the meeting, the LG emphasised the need for time-bound operationalisation of both airports. He said the commencement of flight operations at Thoise and Kargil would contribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhanced regional connectivity and inclusive development in Ladakh. He also highlighted the potential of improved air connectivity to boost tourism in border areas such as Kargil, Drass, Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp.
Regarding Thoise Airport, the Indian Air Force has approved the allotment of five acres of land for construction of a new civil terminal in Nubra. Runway recarpeting work is currently underway and is targeted for completion by November. Civil operations are being targeted for commencement by December 2026 from the existing old chartered flight terminal after necessary refurbishment.
For commencing commercial flights from the existing chartered terminal at Thoise, the Lieutenant Governor directed the Airports Authority of India to submit the requisite infrastructure requirements to the UT Administration. Based on these requirements, the Public Works Department will undertake the necessary refurbishment works.
The proposed commercial flight operations are expected to improve accessibility for residents of Nubra and facilitate travel for visitors to destinations including Turtuk, Siachen and other parts of the valley. The improved connectivity is also expected to support tourism, trade and local economic activity in the region.
With regard to Kargil Airport, it was decided to conduct a joint inspection by the Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and Ministry of Civil Aviation on September 1 in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor. The inspection will assess the existing infrastructure, technical requirements and other aspects related to the readiness of the airport for civilian flight operations.
Civilian air connectivity to Kargil has remained a long-standing priority, particularly in view of the region’s difficult terrain and prolonged winters. The proposed assessment is expected to help determine the future course of action for commencing commercial flight operations from the airport.
Saxena urged all concerned agencies to work in close coordination and undertake time-bound action to complete the required infrastructure, regulatory and operational formalities at the earliest.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence; Air Marshal George Thomas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Indian Air Force; Executive Director, Airports Authority of India; and other senior officials of the concerned agencies.