Thoise, Kargil airports in Ladakh set for civilian flight operations
23/08/2026
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Civilian air connectivity to Ladakh's border regions is set for a major boost, with the UT administration targeting commercial flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley by December 2026 and moving to assess Kargil Airport's readiness for civilian flights.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi with officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and UT Ladakh Administration to review preparations for the two airports, a spokesperson of Ladakh said.
At Thoise, the IAF has approved five acres for construction of a new civil terminal, while recarpeting of the runway is underway and is scheduled for completion by November. In the interim, the existing chartered-flight terminal will be refurbished to facilitate the commencement of civil operations by December.
Saxena directed the AAI to submit infrastructure requirements for operating commercial flights from the existing terminal to the UT administration, following which the Public Works Department will undertake the required refurbishment.
At Kargil Airport, a joint inspection by the IAF, AAI and Ministry of Civil Aviation has been scheduled for September 1, in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, to assess infrastructure, technical requirements and readiness for civilian operations.
The proposed air links are expected to improve accessibility for residents of Nubra and Kargil and provide a major fillip to tourism in border destinations including Turtuk, Drass and the Siachen Base Camp.
Saxena stressed the need for coordinated and time-bound action by all agencies to complete the infrastructure, regulatory and operational formalities, describing civilian air connectivity as crucial for inclusive development and the economic potential of the strategically important border regions.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, senior Ministry of Defence officials, Air Marshal George Thomas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, IAF, the Executive Director of AAI and other senior officials.
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