Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), serving the city of Leh, was originally known simply as Leh Airport before being officially renamed in 2005 to honor the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist monk and statesman recognized as the architect of modern Ladakh. Established as the region's first airfield in 1948, the facility introduced civilian flights following the 1962 Indo-China War and inaugurated its first dedicated passenger terminal in 1985. Situated at an elevation of 3,256 meters, it is the highest commercial airport in India and ranks as the 23rd highest globally. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, the airport handled 1,194,892 passengers, making it the 34th busiest airport in the country. Key milestones include the 2019 commencement of a new integrated terminal project designed to expand annual capacity to 3.5 million passengers. This facility is slated for completion by 2026 and is engineered to be India's first carbon-neutral airport, utilizing a pioneering combination of rooftop solar power and geothermal heating systems. As the primary gateway to the high-altitude Union Territory of Ladakh, the airport supports Leh’s role as a global hub for heritage and adventure tourism while maintaining its critical function as a strategic military outpost in the Himalayas.

Airport Information

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport Address