Leh: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review preparations for the commencement of commercial flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil Airport.
The meeting, attended by officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force (IAF), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ladakh administration, focused on infrastructure, regulatory and operational requirements for launching civilian air services from the two airports.
According to officials, the Indian Air Force has approved the allotment of five acres of land for construction of a new civil terminal at Thoise Airport. Runway recarpeting work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by November.
Authorities are targeting the start of commercial flight operations from Thoise by December 2026 using a refurbished chartered flight terminal until a permanent civil terminal is developed.
For Kargil Airport, a joint inspection by the Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and Ministry of Civil Aviation has been scheduled for September 1 to assess the airport’s readiness for civilian operations.
During the meeting, Saxena directed the Airports Authority of India to submit infrastructure requirements for the existing terminal at Thoise so that the Public Works Department can undertake refurbishment works.
Officials said the proposed air services are expected to improve connectivity to remote areas of Ladakh, including Nubra, Turtuk, Kargil, Drass and the Siachen region, while supporting tourism and local economic activity.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of Ladakh, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, Airports Authority of India and the Indian Air Force, including Air Marshal George Thomas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command.
