Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, on August 21 chaired a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force (IAF), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and UT Ladakh Administration at Ladakh Bhavan, New Delhi, to review preparedness for the commencement of 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, which are expected to significantly improve connectivity in Ladakh’s border areas.

The LG emphasised the need for time-bound operationalisation of both airports. He said commercial flights from Thoise and Kargil would support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of enhanced regional connectivity and inclusive development while unlocking the tourism potential of border areas such as Kargil, Drass, Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp.

Thoise Airport
The meeting noted that 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 2026.

It was also decided to target the commencement of civil flight operations from Thoise by December 2026, initially using the existing chartered flight terminal after necessary refurbishment.

For commencing commercial flights from the existing terminal, the LG 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.

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, while providing a boost to tourism and the local economy.

Kargil Airport
Regarding Kargil Airport, it was decided to conduct a joint inspection on September 1 by the Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and Ministry of Civil Aviation, in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor, to assess preparedness for civil flight operations.
The inspection will assess the existing infrastructure, technical requirements and other aspects necessary to determine the future course of action for commencing civilian flight operations.

Civil air connectivity to Kargil has remained a long-standing priority, particularly in view of the region’s challenging terrain and prolonged winters.
The LG urged all concerned agencies to undertake coordinated and 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, IAF; Executive Director, Airports Authority of India; and other senior officials from the concerned agencies.