SRINAGAR: Civilian flight operations from Thoise in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley are targeted to begin in December 2026, while the readiness of Kargil Airport for commercial flights will be assessed during a joint inspection scheduled for September 1, officials said after a high-level review meeting in New Delhi.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Friday reviewed preparations for civilian operations at Thoise and Kargil airports with officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Union Territory administration.
At Thoise, the Indian Air Force has allocated five acres for construction of a new civil terminal. However, the administration plans to commence civilian operations from the existing chartered-flight terminal until the new facility is completed.
The existing terminal will be refurbished for civilian use. The AAI is expected to provide the UT administration with details of the infrastructure required, following which the Public Works Department will undertake the refurbishment work.
Runway recarpeting at Thoise is currently in progress and is expected to be completed by November. December has been set as the target for commencement of civilian flight operations.
The proposed air connectivity is expected to improve access to Nubra Valley, including Turtuk and areas towards the Siachen Base Camp, while reducing dependence on difficult road links to the region.
At Kargil, no date has yet been fixed for the start of civilian flight operations. A joint inspection by the Indian Air Force, AAI and the Ministry of Civil Aviation will be conducted on September 1 to assess the airport’s infrastructure, technical requirements and operational preparedness.
The inspection will help determine the additional work and facilities required before civilian flights can be considered at Kargil.
Improved air connectivity to Kargil has been a long-standing demand, particularly because of the region’s difficult terrain and prolonged winters. Better connectivity is also considered important for tourism and the local economy.
The review meeting was attended by the Ladakh Chief Secretary, officials of the Ministry of Defence, Air Marshal George Thomas, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, Indian Air Force, an AAI Executive Director and other senior officials.
The administration has directed the agencies concerned to complete the remaining infrastructure, regulatory and operational requirements within defined timelines. However, the December target for Thoise will remain subject to completion of the ongoing works and the necessary clearances.
