On Tuesday, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation, told the media that the new airport terminal in Leh district is likely to be operational by December 2022.

In a virtual meeting to discuss the progress of ongoing and new civil aviation projects for better air connectivity in Leh, Scindia conveyed this to R K Mathur, Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh.

The Minister of Civil Aviation said that the new airport terminal at Leh may become operational by December next year.

He also allowed the civil enclosure construction at Thoise airport, pondered the air lifeline to the world's highest and coldest battlefield, by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) once the land is available.

Scindia noted that a team would soon visit Ladakh to technically assess locations for additional airstrips in Leh. He agreed to study the possibility of using commercial flights with smaller jet planes to Kargil as an interim solution.

The minister urged the Lieutenant Governor to consider reducing VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to support more flights to operate to Ladakh, emphasising that it will become a promoter for Ladakh's tourism.

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