Ladakh’s Nubra Valley could soon receive direct air connectivity, with civil operations at Thoise Airport targeted to begin by December 2026. Kargil Airport, meanwhile, will undergo a joint inspection on September 1 to assess its readiness for civilian flight operations.
The developments were announced by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena following a review meeting in New Delhi with senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force (IAF), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Ladakh administration.
Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley is currently at a more advanced stage of preparation. The IAF has approved five acres of land for construction of a new civil terminal, while runway recarpeting is underway and scheduled for completion by November 2026.
However, civil operations are expected to begin from the existing charter flight terminal after refurbishment, rather than waiting for the new terminal to be completed. The AAI has been asked to provide details of the infrastructure required at the existing facility, following which the Ladakh Public Works Department will undertake the necessary refurbishment.
If the proposed timeline is met, Thoise could provide direct air access to Nubra Valley and improve connectivity to tourist and border destinations including Turtuk and Siachen Base Camp.
Kargil Airport to Undergo Readiness Assessment
Kargil Airport is at an earlier stage, with a joint inspection scheduled for September 1. Officials from the IAF, AAI and Ministry of Civil Aviation will assess the airport’s existing infrastructure, technical requirements and other parameters required for civilian flight operations.
No date has yet been announced for the commencement of commercial flights from Kargil.
The proposed air connectivity is expected to strengthen access to remote areas of Ladakh and provide an alternative to road travel, particularly during challenging weather conditions.
For tourism, the opening of Thoise to civil aviation could be significant for Nubra Valley, which is currently accessed largely by road from Leh. Improved connectivity could facilitate travel to Turtuk, Siachen Base Camp and other parts of the valley while supporting tourism and local economic activity.
The Ladakh administration has directed the agencies concerned to coordinate closely and complete the infrastructure, regulatory and operational requirements within defined timelines.
The proposed air links to Thoise and Kargil are also being positioned as part of efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and promote tourism and inclusive development across Ladakh.