Chief Secretary reviews progress on new terminal at Leh airport
civil flight operations from Thoise (Nubra) Airport
11/08/2026
Leh, August 11 (KIP)- Chief Secretary, Union Territory of Ladakh, Ashish Kundra today chaired a meeting to review the progress of construction of the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh, and the commencement of civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra.
The meeting reviewed the status of the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, including its remaining works, commissioning, augmentation of passenger and ground-handling capacity, winter operations, flight slots and preparedness for increased air connectivity.
Airport Director and General Manager (Projects), AAI, A. Umashanker, gave a detailed presentation on the current status and salient features of the new terminal building. He informed that the majority of the construction work is expected to be completed by September 15, 2026.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the remaining works and directed the concerned agencies to ensure their timely completion so that the new terminal can be commissioned at the earliest. He also reviewed the arrangements for aerobridges, excavation and other associated works, besides seeking details of the proposed tendering process for the remaining works and the timeline for award of tenders before the onset of winter.
While reviewing the operational preparedness of Leh Airport, the Chief Secretary emphasised the need to augment flight connectivity and passenger-handling capacity after commissioning of the new terminal. He sought details regarding the number of airlines operating from Leh, ground-handling capacity, winter operational capacity, aircraft and flight schedules, available slots and measures to avoid flight cancellations during the winter season.
He stressed that the enhanced infrastructure should translate into greater public benefit through increased airline operations, improved connectivity and better passenger services. The meeting also discussed the possibility of increasing flight operations and strengthening the existing support infrastructure in view of the additional capacity likely to become available with the commissioning of the new terminal.
The meeting subsequently reviewed the status of Thoise Airport and the proposed commencement of civil flight operations from the airport. Secretary Civil Aviation, Nidhi Malik, presented an overview of the land-related issues and the status of coordination with the Ministry of Defence and other concerned agencies. It was informed that AAI is preparing the estimates, with the tendering process expected to be initiated shortly.
Executive Director, AAI, Rakesh Sharma, and Executive Director (Planning), AAI, Nandita Bhat, also briefed the meeting on the progress of Thoise Airport, including the existing runway, interim operations, tentative existing layout and proposed modifications, along with the issues requiring resolution for commencement of civil operations.
The Chief Secretary directed that all issues and action points relating to Thoise Airport be compiled in a clear responsibility matrix, with specific responsibilities assigned to the concerned departments and officers. He called for expediting the preparation of estimates and tendering of civil works, wherever feasible, subject to necessary permissions and clearances.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of introducing flights to Nubra under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN). The Chief Secretary stressed the need to coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other stakeholders to explore the operation of new flights to Nubra, including the possibility of connecting Nubra with other destinations during the winter season.
The operational implications of Thoise Airport becoming available for civil aviation were also discussed, including its potential impact on existing and proposed flight operations from Leh and Kargil. The meeting deliberated on the bidding process and the need to ensure that the required airport infrastructure and operational facilities are strengthened to attract airlines to operate from Thoise.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed issues concerning Kargil Airport, particularly land availability and the expansion and dual-use potential of the existing airport infrastructure. The meeting discussed the feasibility of utilising available land for strengthening airport facilities, subject to the necessary clearances and coordination with the Ministry of Defence. The importance of strengthening air connectivity to Kargil, including facilities for medical and emergency evacuation, was also highlighted.
Leh and Thoise airports were identified as priority locations for strengthening aviation infrastructure and operational preparedness. The meeting also reviewed issues related to the operationalisation of Kargil Airport and coordination with the Air Force regarding land and other requirements.
Issues concerning the proposed landing facility at Glory Hill/Spituk side in Leh were also discussed. The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Leh, apprised the meeting of issues relating to possible obstructions, including those associated with NH-1 and electricity infrastructure.
The Chief Secretary directed the Secretary PWD to examine the matter and take necessary action for resolving the identified issues, including preparation and revision of estimates wherever required.
The meeting further discussed slot management, allocation of slots to airlines, ground-handling arrangements and coordination with DGCA and airlines. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for improved coordination and advance planning to maximise the use of available airport infrastructure and minimise flight cancellations, particularly during the winter season.
The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination and maintain clear accountability for each pending issue, with regular follow-up to ensure timely resolution of land, technical, tendering, operational and regulatory matters.
The meeting was attended by DGP Ladakh Anand Jain, Secretary Civil Aviation Nidhi Malik, Secretary Planning Himanshu Gupta, Secretary PWD Bashir-ul-Haq Chaudhary, AOC Leh Ajay Rathi, Airport Director and General Manager (Projects), AAI, A. Umashanker, OSD to Chief Secretary (Special Projects) Moses Kunzang, and other senior officers from the concerned departments and agencies.