LEH, Aug 22: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena reviewed preparations for starting commercial civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil Airport, stressing the need for coordinated and time-bound action to improve air connectivity in the Union Territory.
Saxena chaired a meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and the UT Ladakh Administration at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi to assess infrastructure, regulatory and operational requirements for the two airports.
The meeting focused on resolving pending issues and enabling early commencement of civilian flights from the strategically and economically important airports.
The Lieutenant Governor said operationalising flights from Thoise and Kargil would strengthen regional connectivity, support inclusive development and unlock the tourism potential of border areas, including Kargil, Drass, Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp.
Thoise Airport
The Indian Air Force has approved five acres of land for construction of a new civil terminal at Thoise in Nubra Valley.
Runway recarpeting work is currently underway and is targeted for completion by November. The administration is aiming to commence civil flight operations by December 2026 from the existing chartered flight terminal after necessary refurbishment.
Saxena directed the Airports Authority of India to submit the required infrastructure details to the UT Administration for the existing terminal. Based on these requirements, the Public Works Department will undertake the necessary refurbishment works.
Once operational, commercial flights are expected to improve connectivity for residents of Nubra and facilitate access to tourist destinations such as Turtuk and Siachen, while providing a boost to local economic activity.
Kargil Airport
A joint inspection of Kargil Airport by the Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and Ministry of Civil Aviation has been scheduled for September 1 in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor.
The inspection will assess the existing infrastructure, technical requirements and overall preparedness for civilian flight operations and help determine the way forward.
Civil air connectivity to Kargil has remained a long-standing priority due to the region's difficult terrain and prolonged winter conditions.
Saxena directed all concerned agencies to work in close coordination and complete the required infrastructure, regulatory and operational formalities within stipulated timelines.
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; Executive Director, Airports Authority of India, and other senior officials.
