Travelling to Ladakh’s Nubra Valley and some of its remote border destinations could soon get easier. Plans are moving ahead to start civilian flights from Thoise Airport in Nubra Valley, while Kargil Airport is set for an inspection to assess its readiness for commercial operations. Civil operations at Thoise Airport are being targeted for December 2026, while a joint readiness inspection at Kargil Airport will be held on September 1, 2026, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said.
The developments were discussed at a review meeting at Ladakh Bhawan in New Delhi, attended by officials from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India and the Ladakh administration.
Thoise Airport Could See Civil Flights Soon
Thoise Airport is further along in the process. Located in Nubra Valley, the airport currently serves military operations and charter flights. The Indian Air Force has approved five acres of land for the construction of a new civil terminal in Nubra. At the same time, runway recarpeting is underway and is expected to be completed by November 2026.
The administration does not plan to wait for the new terminal to be ready before starting civilian operations. Instead, the existing charter flight terminal will be refurbished and used for civil flights, with operations targeted to begin in December.
The Airports Authority of India has been asked to provide details of the infrastructure required at the existing terminal. Once these requirements are finalised, the Ladakh Public Works Department will carry out the necessary refurbishment.
If the timeline is met, Thoise could offer a much easier way to reach Nubra Valley, particularly for travellers heading to places such as Turtuk and the Siachen Base Camp.
What This Means For Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is one of Ladakh’s best-known tourist regions, but getting there currently involves a road journey from Leh, usually via the Khardung La route. A civil air connection to Thoise could give travellers another option and make the valley more accessible, especially during periods when road travel is difficult.
The new connectivity could also benefit Nubra residents and support tourism and other local economic activities. For travellers, it could mean spending less time on the road and more time exploring the valley.
The Ladakh administration also sees the proposed flights as a way to improve access to remote border areas, including Turtuk and the wider Nubra region.
Kargil Airport To Be Inspected
The process at Kargil Airport is in its early stages. A joint inspection by the Indian Air Force, the Airports Authority of India, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation will take place on September 1 in the presence of the Lieutenant Governor.
The inspection will examine the airport’s existing infrastructure, technical requirements, and other factors that must be addressed before civilian flights can begin. There is no confirmed date yet for the start of commercial flights from Kargil. The September inspection is expected to help determine what work and clearances may be required.
Better Access To Kargil And Drass
Kargil has long been seen as an important part of Ladakh’s tourism circuit, with nearby Drass also drawing travellers for its landscapes, history and strategic location. At present, reaching Kargil involves a long road journey, particularly for those travelling from Srinagar or Leh. Commercial air services could eventually provide another option for both residents and tourists.
Together, the proposed Thoise and Kargil operations could open up easier access to parts of Ladakh that remain relatively remote.
For now, Thoise is the airport with the clearer timeline, with civil operations targeted for December 2026. Kargil, meanwhile, will take its next step with the September 1 readiness inspection.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. When will Thoise Airport start civil flights?
Civil flight operations at Thoise Airport are targeted to begin by December 2026.
2. Where is Thoise Airport located?
Thoise Airport is located in the Nubra Valley region of Ladakh.
3. Will Thoise Airport have commercial flights?
The Ladakh administration is working towards starting civil flight operations at Thoise. The existing charter terminal is expected to be refurbished for this purpose.
4. When will Kargil Airport be inspected?
A joint readiness inspection of Kargil Airport is scheduled for September 1, 2026.
5. When will commercial flights begin from Kargil Airport?
There is currently no confirmed date for commercial flights from Kargil Airport. The September inspection will assess the airport's readiness and identify requirements.
