All About Leh Airport (IXL): Complete Guide for Travellers 2025

Situated approximately 3–5 km from Leh city, Leh Airport serves as the Fundamental gateway to Ladakh while  providing essential connectivity for both leisure and business travellers. It functions as a dual-purpose hub for civilian and military operations which makes it one of the most strategically significant airports in the world. 

Named after the revered Ladakhi statesman Kushok Bakula Rimpochee, the airport’s proximity to the city ensures convenient transfers and easy access to hotels, guesthouses and local attractions.

Leh Airport began as a military airstrip in 1961, supporting Indian Army operations in the remote terrains of Ladakh. Following the Indo-China war of 1962, civilian flights were introduced and by 1985, a dedicated passenger terminal was inaugurated to handle domestic travellers. 

Today, the airport is undergoing a significant Leh Airport expansion, featuring a modern hybrid terminal powered by solar and geothermal energy, scheduled for completion in 2025. This expansion is designed to enhance passenger comfort while maintaining operational efficiency at high altitudes.

Currently, Leh Airport terminal spans approximately 2,500 sq. m and caters exclusively to domestic flights. The upcoming expansion will upgrade the airport into a state-of-the-art hub, with:

• A passenger capacity of 2 million annually
• 18 check-in counters
• Advanced in-line baggage handling systems
• Eco-friendly, energy-efficient design

Even today, the terminal ensures smooth operations, including efficient check-ins, mandatory baggage re-verification due to security protocols and streamlined boarding.

Leh Airport flights play a critical role in connecting Ladakh with major Indian cities. Despite its high-altitude location, airlines maintain punctuality and ensure seamless travel.

Key airlines serving Leh Airport include:

• Air India: Regular flights to Delhi, Jammu, Srinagar and Chandigarh, catering to business, leisure and pilgrimage travellers.
• IndiGo: Daily flights to Delhi, Jammu and Chandigarh, with seasonal services to Mumbai, ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
• SpiceJet: Operates flights to Delhi year-round, with seasonal services to Mumbai during peak tourist months.

Given the unique altitude of Leh Airport, flights are primarily scheduled during the daytime to avoid afternoon mountain winds. Popular routes such as Delhi to Leh flights and Srinagar to Leh flights see high demand between May and September. Pre-booking is recommended especially during peak season, to secure preferred schedules and fares.

Though compact compared to metropolitan airports, Leh Airport facilities are designed in such a way that they provide comfort and convenience for travellers navigating high-altitude terrain.

Key passenger services include:

• Medical support: Leh Airport offers doctor-on-call services and portable oxygen counters to help travellers manage high-altitude sickness in Leh.

• Mobility assistance: Wheelchair facilities are available for senior citizens and physically challenged passengers ensuring comfortable navigation through the airport.

• Financial services: ATMs and currency exchange counters provide seamless domestic and international transactions for all travellers.

• Food & beverage outlets: Cafes and restaurants offering a range of quick bites and wholesome meals.

• Duty-free shops at Leh Airport: Souvenirs, local handicrafts and travel essentials available for travellers.

• Tourist information counters: Guidance on trekking routes, monasteries and other local attractions.

Strict Leh airport security rules and high-tech baggage scanners ensure safety while maintaining smooth passenger flow. Overall, the combination of modern amenities and high-altitude support makes the airport experience comfortable and memorable.

Reaching Leh Airport is convenient due to its close Leh Airport location near the city and various transport options:

Road Connectivity

• Taxis are available around the clock while offering direct service to hotels, trekking bases and popular sightseeing destinations.
• Local buses link the airport to the Leh Bus Stand which is roughly 5 km away, providing an affordable and reliable transport option for travellers.

Rail Connectivity

• Although Leh lacks a full-scale railway, the nearest station is roughly 5.5 km from the airport, reachable within 13 minutes by road.

Local Convenience

• Hotels and guesthouses near the airport enable smooth early-morning departures or late-night arrivals.
• Efficient Leh Airport connectivity ensures minimal commuting time which is particularly important at high altitudes where acclimatisation is key.

Visiting Leh Airport requires thoughtful planning due to its high-altitude location and unique geography. Here are essential Leh Airport travel tips:

1. Prepare for High Altitude

At 3,256 meters (10,682 feet), sudden exposure can cause altitude sickness in Leh, leading to dizziness, headaches or nausea. To stay comfortable:

• Drink plenty of water before and during your journey.
• Avoid heavy meals or alcohol immediately upon arrival.
• Allow your body to acclimatise for a few hours.
• Carry portable oxygen if you have respiratory issues.

2. Best Time to Visit Leh

The ideal period is May to September, when weather conditions are favourable, roads are open from Srinagar and Manali and skies are clear for scenic Leh Airport flights. Winter months are best avoided due to snow-induced flight delays and limited road access.

3. Flight Timing Considerations

Flights operate only during the daytime, mainly in the morning, to avoid turbulent winds during landing. Coordinate your schedule to align with connecting flights and hotel check-ins.

4. Scenic Approach

Arrivals at Leh Airport offer unparalleled views of the Himalayas, the Indus and Zanskar rivers and snow-dusted peaks. Choose a window seat on the left-hand side for flights from Delhi or Srinagar to capture the best scenery.

5. Health and Comfort Essentials

• Carry light warm clothing as the weather can change quickly.
• Use sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against intense UV exposure at high altitude.
• Motion sickness remedies may be helpful during turbulent approaches.

6. Airport and City Navigation

• With excellent Leh Airport connectivity, taxis, buses and hotel shuttles are available round the clock.
• Pre-plan your onward journey to avoid last-minute stress, especially during peak tourist season.

By following these tips, travellers can enjoy a safe, smooth and memorable arrival at Leh Airport, ready to explore Ladakh’s majestic landscapes, monasteries and trekking trails.

Leh Airport or Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, is the highest airport in India and the perfect starting point for exploring Ladakh. With modern Leh Airport facilities, seamless Leh Airport connectivity and scenic approaches, travellers on flights to Leh enjoy comfort, safety and convenience.

Whether using the Leh Airport terminal, planning around Delhi to Leh flights or Srinagar to Leh flights or following essential Leh Airport travel tips, every journey becomes smooth and memorable. From check-in to duty-free shopping, Leh Airport ensures your adventure in the Himalayas begins on a high note.