Authorities in Ladakh have intensified efforts to commence commercial air services from Kargil and Toys, planning to launch these services in December of this year. Currently, only one airport operates for commercial flights in this federal territory—Leh.
At a meeting chaired by the state governor, Vinay Kumar Saxena, the Air Force approved the allocation of five acres of land for the construction of a new civil terminal in Toys, located in the Nubra Valley. The runway is currently being closed, and work is expected to be completed by November.
Regarding Kargil, which has a runway for defense operations, authorities decided to conduct an assessment of the existing infrastructure, technical requirements, and other aspects necessary to begin civilian flights.
Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, the Air Force, the Airports Authority of India, and the federal territory administration attended the meeting held on Friday at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi.
The government representative noted that 'the meeting focused on resolving infrastructural, regulatory, and operational issues to ensure the early commencement of civilian flights from strategically and socio-economically important airports. This will significantly enhance connectivity in border areas.'
Saxena emphasized the need for timely operationalization, stating that commercial flights from both locations will also unlock the huge tourism potential of places such as Kargil, Dras, Turtuk, and Siachen base.
He added: 'Commercial flights are expected to provide easier access for the residents of Nubra and facilitate travel for visitors to places like Turtuk and Siachen, while also supporting tourism and local economic activity.'
In March of this year, Mohad Jaffar Akhun, Executive Advisor to the Chairman of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), and Ladakh MLA Mohammad Hanifa met with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to push for the launch of civilian flights from Kargil. Akhun and Hanifa proposed starting with small aircraft as a temporary measure.