The Airports Authority of India, under the aegis of the Ministry of Civil Aviation is committed to provide air connectivity and develop as well as upgrade airport infrastructure across the country. Situated at 3,256 m (10,682 ft) above mean sea level, Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport at Leh is gearing up for a new world-class terminal building.
With an existing terminal capacity, Leh airport has handled more than nine lakhs passengers per annum in recent years. To meet out the traffic growth and growing demand, construction of a state-of –the-art new terminal building with modern facilities is underway at a cost of Rs.480 Crores. Equipped with all essential passenger friendly amenities and conveniences, the airport will be able to handle 20 lakhs passenger annually after the completion of construction work in December, 2022.
The upcoming New Terminal Building will be 4-star GRIHA rated energy efficient building with 18 check-in counters, Inline Baggage Handling Systems and centralized cooling and heating systems for providing passenger comfort during extreme winter. Terminal is designed with various levels to protect the natural profile of the landscape and will be well connected with elevators, escalators and stair cases for ensure smooth flow of passengers. The design of the building will reflect the philosophy of ancient Buddhist wisdom intertwined with modern ethos and closely incorporate Buddhist design elements in the overall look and feel of the building.
Leh figures on the international tourist map and attracts a large inflow of tourists both from home and abroad. The new world-class terminal building of Leh Airport will give boost to the tourism industry and create employment opportunities in the region.
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India laid the Foundation Stone of the construction of new terminal building in Leh on 03rd February, 2019