Leh: Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman Vipin Kumar has directed that the new terminal building and associated infrastructure at Leh Airport be completed by October 2025, calling the project a top priority in India’s high-altitude aviation network.
Kumar, accompanied by AAI Member (Planning) Anil Kumar Gupta, inspected the airport on Thursday, reviewing the progress of ongoing works and interacting with officials and CISF personnel. He urged all stakeholders to accelerate construction to meet the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s targets for regional connectivity and passenger experience.
“This project is a top priority for AAI, and we must ensure its timely execution to support the broader goals of the Government of India’s civil aviation roadmap,” he said during the visit.
Leh Airport holds both civilian and strategic significance, serving as a key gateway for tourists and defence logistics in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The expansion—part of a nationwide infrastructure push under Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu—aims to handle growing passenger volumes while improving operational efficiency and safety.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol has also stressed the importance of ensuring quality and sustainability in all such projects, particularly in remote and environmentally sensitive locations.
Once complete, the upgraded facilities at Leh Airport are expected to significantly enhance passenger handling capacity, streamline operations, and boost Ladakh’s connectivity with the rest of the country.
