Ladakh: LG Saxena reviews operationalisation of commercial flights from Thoise and Kargil airports

The meeting, held in New Delhi, was attended by officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and the UT Ladakh Administration. It focused on resolving infrastructure, regulatory and operational issues to enable early commencement of civilian flights from the two strategically important airports.

LG Saxena stressed the time-bound completion of all required works, saying the operationalisation of flights from Thoise and Kargil would boost regional connectivity and support tourism and economic activities in border areas.

The administration informed that the Indian Air Force has approved the allotment of five acres of land for construction of a new civil terminal at Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley. Runway recarpeting work is underway and is expected to be completed by November.

Civil flight operations from Thoise are targeted to begin by December 2026 from the existing chartered flight terminal after necessary refurbishment works.

For Kargil Airport, a joint inspection by the Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be conducted on September 1 in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor to assess readiness for civil operations.

LG Saxena directed all concerned agencies to coordinate and complete infrastructure, regulatory and operational formalities at the earliest.

The commencement of commercial flights is expected to improve accessibility for residents of Nubra and Kargil, while facilitating travel to tourist destinations including Turtuk, Siachen Base Camp, Drass and other parts of Ladakh.

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. (ANI)