Kashmir Impulse Desk
Kargil, Aug 22
Civilian flights from Thoise Airport in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley could begin by December 2026, while Kargil Airport will undergo a readiness assessment on Sept. 1, officials said.
The plans were reviewed at a meeting chaired by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena in New Delhi, attended by officials from the Defence Ministry, Airports Authority of India, Ladakh administration and the Indian Air Force.
The Indian Air Force has allocated five acres at Thoise for a new civilian terminal. Until it is built, the administration plans to refurbish the existing charter-flight terminal for civilian operations.
The AAI will provide details of the infrastructure required, after which the Public Works Department will undertake refurbishment work. Runway resurfacing is underway and is expected to finish by November.
No date has been set for civilian flights from Kargil.
A joint inspection by the Air Force, AAI and Ministry of Civil Aviation on Sept. 1 will assess infrastructure, technical requirements and operational readiness and determine what additional work is needed.
Improved air links are expected to support tourism and the local economy, particularly during winter when road access across the mountainous region can be disrupted.
Thoise, a military airbase at more than 10,000 feet, is expected to improve access to remote areas of the Nubra Valley, including Turtuk, Diskit and the Siachen region.
