New airport terminal in Leh likely to be commissioned by December 2022: Aviation Minister

New airport terminal in Leh likely to be commissioned by December 2022: Aviation Minister

SRINAGAR, SEP 21 (PTK): Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday that the new airport terminal in Leh is likely to be operational by December next year.

Scindia apprised Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur during a virtual meeting with him to discuss the progress of ongoing and new civil aviation projects for better air connectivity in the region.

“The new airport terminal at Leh is likely to be operational by December 2022,” the aviation minister said.

They also agreed to build a civilian enclosure at Thoise Airport, which, once land is made available, is considered by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to be the air lifeline for the world’s highest and coldest battlefield.

Scindia said a team would soon visit Ladakh to conduct a technical evaluation of the locations of additional airstrips in Leh. He agreed to look into the possibility of operating commercial flights with small jets to Kargil as an interim solution.

The Minister requested the Lt Governor to consider reducing VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to encourage it to operate more flights to Ladakh, asserting that it should become a booster for Ladakh’s tourism. Will go

The Lt Governor requested the minister to intervene in regulating winter airfares, assisting in the operation of air ambulances and exploring the possibility of night flights to Leh. (PTK).