Leh: The Union Territory administration on Tuesday held a high-level review of aviation infrastructure in Ladakh, with Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra chairing a meeting to assess progress on the new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh and the proposed commencement of civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra.
Completion target set for mid-September
Officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) presented the current status of works at the Leh terminal. A. Umashanker, Airport Director and General Manager (Projects), AAI, said the majority of construction is expected to be completed by 15 September 2026. The presentation covered remaining works, commissioning requirements, augmentation of passenger and ground-handling capacity, arrangements for winter operations and management of flight slots to handle increased air traffic.
The meeting, attended by senior UT officials and AAI executives, also heard detailed briefings from AAI Executive Director Rakesh Sharma and Executive Director (Planning) Nandita Bhat on the status of Thoise Airport. Their presentation outlined the existing runway, interim operations, the tentative layout for civil use and proposed modifications, as well as the issues that need resolution before civil flights can begin from Thoise.
Kargil airport, land availability and dual-use potential
The Chief Secretary reviewed matters relating to Kargil Airport, focusing on land availability and the potential to expand and operate the facility on a dual-use basis, subject to clearances and coordination with the Ministry of Defence. Strengthening air connectivity to Kargil — notably for medical and emergency evacuations — was highlighted as a priority.
- Leh terminal: Majority of construction to be completed by 15 September 2026; commissioning and winter-readiness to be addressed.
- Thoise Airport: Interim operations and layout options presented; proposed modifications and outstanding issues identified for civil operations to commence.
- Kargil Airport: Land availability and dual-use expansion discussed; coordination with the Air Force and Ministry of Defence required.
Priorities and operational preparedness
Leh and Thoise were identified as priority locations for strengthening aviation infrastructure and operational preparedness. The discussion touched on augmenting passenger handling and ground services, ensuring slot management to cope with higher connectivity, and readiness for harsh winter conditions that affect operations in the region.
The meeting stressed inter-agency coordination across civil administration, the AAI and defence authorities for operationalising dual-use airports and expanding facilities where land and clearances permit.
Officials present
Besides the Chief Secretary and AAI functionaries, attendees included DGP Anand Jain, Secretary Civil Aviation Nidhi Malik, Secretary Planning Himanshu Gupta, Secretary PWD Bashir-ul-Haq Chaudhary, and AOC Leh Ajay Rathi. The presence of senior AAI project and planning directors underlined the technical and administrative focus of the review.
| Airport | Key focus | Current timeline/status |
|---|---|---|
| Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh | New terminal construction, commissioning, winter operations | Majority of construction expected complete by 15 Sep 2026 |
| Thoise Airport, Nubra | Commencement of civil flights, runway and layout modifications, interim operations | Presentations on tentative layout and issues pending resolution |
| Kargil Airport | Land availability, expansion, dual-use potential, medevac readiness | Under review; subject to clearances and coordination with MoD/IAF |
Implications for connectivity and emergency services
Officials underlined that improved aviation infrastructure will have direct implications for tourism, supply chains and emergency response in Ladakh. Enhanced air connectivity to Kargil and operational civil flights from Thoise could shorten travel times and provide more options for medical evacuation, particularly during periods when road access is constrained.
The Chief Secretary's review signals administrative emphasis on completing the Leh terminal within a defined timeframe while addressing inter-agency issues that could delay civil operations at Thoise or expansion at Kargil. Further actions will depend on technical clearances, land approvals and coordination with defence authorities where dual-use arrangements are being considered.
