Air travel to some of Ladakh’s remote border areas could become easier, with the Union Territory administration targeting civil flight operations from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley by December 2026 and preparing to access Kargil Airport for civilian services.
Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena reviewed preparations for the two airports at a meeting at Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Air Force, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force and the UT administration were involved in the discussions.
In a post on X, Saxena stated the meeting reviewed measures for “commencing civil operation at Thoise airport in Nubra Valley and Kargil Airport” with the aim of boosting regional connectivity and tourism in Ladakh.
As per a report by PTI, the discussions also focused on addressing the infrastructure, operational requirements and regulations for starting civilian services, with the LG emphasising time-bound action.
Thoise Airport targets civil operations by December
Thoise is currently further along in the process. As per the LG, the IAF has sanctioned the allotment of five acres of land for the construction of a new civil terminal in Nubra. Meanwhile, runway recarpeting is undergoing, with completion targeted for November 2026.
The current plan, however, is to use the airport’s existing infrastructure. The administration is “targeting civil operations by December 2026” from the old chartered- flight terminal at Thoise after it is refurbished, Saxena added.
AAI has been asked to submit the infrastructure requirements for starting commercial flights from the existing terminal. Based those UT administration’s Public Works Department’s Public Works Department will conduct the necessary refurbishment work.
Kargil Airport readiness check on September 1
For Kargil Airport, the next major step is a joint inspection slated for September 1 in the presence of the LG. The IAF, Ministry of Civil Aviation and AAI will be involved in the assessment process and will “assess civil operations readiness”.
The survey will determine the airport’s existing infrastructure, technical requirements and other necessary aspects before finalising the future course of action for civilian flight operations.
Unlike Thoise, no target date for the commencement of commercial flights from Kargil has been announced. Civilian air connectivity to Kargil has been a long-standing priority, especially because of the region’s difficult winters, a Lok Bhavan spokesperson stated to PTI.
What could it mean for Ladakh travellers?
If commercial services begin at Thoise, they are expected to improve accessibility for Nubra residents as well as visitors travelling to destinations such as Turtuk, Siachen Base Camp and other parts of the valley.
Highlighting the wider tourism potential, Saxena said flight operations from Thoise and Kargil could help unlock opportunities in border destinations including “Turtuk, Siachen Base Camp, Kargil & Drass”.
The proposed services are also expected to support tourism and local economic activity while improving regional connectivity.
The LG has urged the agencies involved to work in a coordinated and time-bound manner to complete the necessary infrastructure, regulatory and operational formalities.
For travellers, the key point is that December 2026 remains a target for civil operations at Thoise rather than a confirmed flight launch date. Kargil is still at the readiness-assessment stage, with the September 1 inspection expected to help determine the way forward.