Leh: Air connectivity to Ladakh has received a major boost with a significant increase in the number of daily flights operating to Leh at the beginning of the new tourist season.
According to the flight schedule for April 2, flight operations at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh increased from eight flights, including two charter services, to a total of 18 flights in a single day.
The operations included two charter flights to Delhi and Chandigarh, besides regular scheduled services connecting Leh with Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Chandigarh.
Officials said that two additional flights by Air India have also been approved and are expected to commence shortly, further improving connectivity for tourists and local residents.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, said the increase in the number of flights would significantly boost tourist footfall in the Union Territory.
He said the Ladakh Administration remains committed to strengthening air connectivity and improving infrastructure in the region.
The increase in flight frequency follows sustained efforts by the Lieutenant Governor after a delegation of tourism stakeholders met him and sought intervention to improve air connectivity.
The delegation included representatives of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association and the All Kargil Travel Trade Association.
Tourism stakeholders had pointed out that tourist arrivals in Ladakh had declined sharply last year, affecting the livelihoods of people dependent on the tourism sector.
Officials believe that the enhanced flight operations will help restore tourist confidence and revive the local economy.
The increase in flights has also assumed significance in view of two major events scheduled in Ladakh in the coming months — the Great Exposition of the Holy Relics of Buddha in Leh in May and the first-ever Sidhu Maha Kumbh in June.
These events are expected to attract a large number of domestic and international visitors.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted that the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is nearing completion and would significantly improve passenger handling capacity and provide a modern travel experience.
He said the Administration is making continuous efforts to position Ladakh as one of the country’s leading tourist destinations through sustainable and planned development.
