Leh, April 5 Flights at the Leh airport have increased from eight to 18 per day to improve air connectivity ahead of the peak tourist season, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said on Sunday.
He said two more flights are expected to begin operations soon, providing flexibility for visitors to plan their journeys, and invited holiday-makers to experience Ladakh for an "unforgettable" trip.
"Ladakh is all set to welcome a larger number of visitors than before. Pleased to announce a major boost to air connectivity with Leh, as the tourist season begins in Ladakh," Saxena said.
These operations include two charter flights to Delhi and Chandigarh, along with regular scheduled services connecting Leh with major destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Chandigarh, officials said.
"With our concerted efforts, the flight operations at Leh Airport have significantly increased from eight flights to 18 flights a day, as on April 2, connecting major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Chandigarh. Two more flights are expected to begin operations soon, thereby providing greater flexibility to visitors to plan their journey," the L-G took to X.
The L-G said the increased flight operations, resulting in enhanced tourist footfall, will boost Ladakh's tourism sector, create local livelihood and position Ladakh as a convenient, sought-after tourist destination.
A delegation of tourism stakeholders comprising members of the All Ladakh Tour Operators Association, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association, and All Kargil Travel Trade Association had earlier called on the L-G and requested his intervention in increasing the frequency of flights to Ladakh to facilitate a rise in tourist footfall in the region, the officials said.
The tourist inflow in Ladakh had witnessed a sharp decline last year and adversely affected the livelihoods of those dependent on tourism-related activities. The increase in flight operations is expected to play a crucial role in restoring tourists' confidence and revitalising the local economy, the officials said.
They said the increase in daily flight operations also assumes significance in the wake of the upcoming Great Exposition of the Holy Relics of Buddha at Leh in May, followed by the first-ever Sidhu Maha Kumbh in June this year.
These mega events are expected to attract a large number of domestic and international tourists.
Saxena reiterated the administration's commitment to strengthening infrastructure and connectivity in Ladakh.
He said the New Terminal Building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, which is nearing completion, will significantly enhance passenger handling capacity and provide a modern travel experience, thereby boosting tourist footfall in the region.
The L-G said continuous efforts are being made to position Ladakh as one of the best tourist destinations in the country, with a focus on sustainable and well-planned development.
"This season, visit Ladakh for an unforgettable experience," Saxena reiterated.
