LG reviews operationalisation of commercial flights from Thoise, Kargil airports in Ladakh

Ladakh to get 2 more commercial airports

Saxena chaired a meeting with officials from the Union ministry of defence, IAF, Airports Authority of India and UT Ladakh administration, at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi, to review the preparedness for commercial civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil Airport

Ladakh’s Thoise, Kargil airports set for civilian flight operations - The Tribune

Civilian air connectivity to Ladakh’s border regions is set for a major boost, with the UT administration targeting commercial flights from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil airport. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena chaired a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and Ladakh Administration in New Delhi to review the operationalisation of commercial civil flights from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil Airport. The meeting focused on resolving infrastructure, regulatory and operational issues to enable early commencement of civilian flights from the strategically and socio-economically important airports that will significantly boost regional connectivity in the border areas, the spokesman said. During the meeting, the L-G emphasised the time-bound operationalisation of the two airports, which he said would unlock the immense tourism potential in border areas like Kargil, Drass, Turtuk, and Siachen Base Camp. The spokesperson said the key outcomes of the meeting included the Indian Air Force approval for allotment of five acres of land for construction of a new civil terminal in Nubra, while a runway recarpeting is underway for a November completion deadline. He said the target commencement of civil operations is by December from an old Chartered flight terminal at Thoise Airport, after refurbishing it. Regarding Kargil Airport, the official said it was decided to conduct a joint inspection with the Indian Air Force, Airport Authority of India and Ministry of Civil Aviation on September 1, in the presence of the L-G to assess civil operation readiness. For commencing commercial flights from the existing Chartered Terminal in Thoise, Saxena asked the Airports Authority of India to submit the requisite infrastructure requirements to the UT Administration, based on which the Public Works Department will take up the necessary refurbishment works. Commercial flight operations are expected to provide greater accessibility to residents of Nubra and facilitate travel for visitors to destinations, including Turtuk, Siachen and other parts of the valley, while supporting tourism and local economic activity, he said. The Lt Governor urged all agencies concerned to undertake coordinated and time-bound action to complete the requisite infrastructure, regulatory and operational formalities at the earliest. At the Kargil airport, the survey will assess the existing infrastructure and other aspects necessary for determining the future course of action for civilian flight operations, the spokesperson said.

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

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday reviewed the preparedness for the commencement of commercial civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil Airport.

Ladakh's Nubra Valley Could Soon Get Direct Flights. Kargil Readiness Check On Sept 1

Thoise Airport targets civil flights by December 2026 with new terminal plans.

Flights to Thoise, Kargil to unlock Ladakh’s border tourism potential

The proposed launch of commercial flights from Thoise Airport in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley by December 2026 is expected to transform access to some of the region’s key border tourism and strategic destinations, including Turtuk and the Siachen Base Camp.