List of 4 Domestic & Military Airports in Ladakh

Ladakh is a high-altitude mountainous region in North India with fantastic and spectacular natural beauty. It attracts millions of tourists from all around the world. The Union Territory is considered an adventurer's paradise as it is home to some incredible trails, perfect for hiking and trekking. It also includes wild streams and rivers perfect for rafting.

Keep reading this article for a detailed guide on all the airports in Ladakh.

The following is a list of airports and military airstrips in Ladakh:

Note: The services and other factors keep changing frequently. So, please check and verify all information before planning your trip.

1. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

Built in 1985, this Ladakh airport name comes from the renowned Ladakhi Statesman Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. It is the busiest airport in Ladakh and is situated 8 km away from the region.

In February 2019, the airport authorities started building a new terminal which will have the capacity to serve 20 lakh people per year.

• Address: 4HV4+259, Leh, 194104
• ICAO Code: VILH
• IATA Code: IXL
• Category: Public Airport
• Terminals: There is currently one operational terminal. However, a new terminal is under construction.
• Operator: Airports Authority of India
• Services & Amenities Available: 
  • Restaurants, tea and coffee counters
  • Baby care room
  • ATMs 

2. Fukche Advanced Landing Ground

The airfield was built just before the 1962 Sino-Indian War but was unused once the war was over. However, in 2008, the Indian Air Force reopened the airport. It is located in the Demchok sector, three kilometres from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. The Indian government is planning to develop airfields on the landing ground of the airport.

• Address: W6G6+H8Q, Ladakh 194404
• ICAO Code: VI66
• IATA Code: NA
• Category: Military Airport
• Terminals: NA
• Operator: Indian Air Force
• Services & Amenities Available: NA

3. Kargil Airport

It is another nearest airport in the Ladakh region, built by the state government in 1996 for civilian operations and later leased to the Airports Authority of India. The airport is situated around six kilometres from Kargil City and 217 kilometres from Leh.

It has one runway of about 6000 feet, but there are plans to extend the runway by 5000 feet more so that it can operate commercial aeroplanes.

• Address: Kargil, Ladakh, India
• ICAO Code: VI65
• IATA Code: NA
• Category: Military Airport
• Terminals: One terminal that can handle 100 passengers during the peak hours
• Operator: Airports Authority of India, Administration of Ladakh
• Services & Amenities Available:
  • Assistance to people with disabilities
  • Medical facilities
  • Internal transport

4. Thoise Airbase

Thoise Airbase is a military airfield situated in the Nubra region of Ladakh.. The origin of Thoise Airbase dates back to the 1960s when it was just a landing strip. This airbase is located around 16 kilometres from Hundar and 25 kilometres from Diskit.

In addition, twenty-eight kanal land is allotted to this airbase under the UDAAN scheme to allow civilian aircraft in the Nubra Valley.

• Address: M93G+7HV, Diskit - Turtuk Hwy, Skuru, 194401
• ICAO Code: VI57
• IATA Code: NA
• Category: Military Airport
• Terminals: NA
• Operator: Indian Air Force
• Services & Amenities Available: NA

Overall, these are all the essential things you should know about all airports in Ladakh. So, if you plan to visit Ladakh any time soon, you can go through this blog to find information about the airports.