Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Leh in April 2026 to inaugurate the new terminal building at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Ladakh. The move comes as work on the project nears completion,
with officials saying the terminal and other key infrastructure in the region should be ready by that time.
Reports say that the foundation stone for the new terminal was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2019, and construction has been underway since then.
Even while the upgrade continues, Leh Airport is still fully operational, serving commercial flights and handling air traffic without interruption. The terminal is being built to improve travel experiences for passengers heading to and from Ladakh, which draws both tourists and locals.
INDIA IS BUILDING AIRPORTS LIKE NEVER BEFORE ✈️
Latest – New terminal building at Leh Airport likely to open in April pic.twitter.com/Yxlf2y8Fmf
— Nachiketa (@mNachiketA77) January 7, 2026
Key Features: New Terminal To Boost Capacity and Convenience
– The upcoming terminal at Leh Airport is being designed as a modern, high-capacity facility.
– It will have around 20 check-in counters and centralised systems for heating and cooling, making it more comfortable for travellers in the cold region.
– Once ready, the facility is expected to handle around 1,000 passengers each during arrivals and departures.
– Officials also say the new terminal aims to be environmentally friendly.
– Plans include using a hybrid energy model that combines geothermal and solar power, which should help reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable infrastructure goals.
Expected Inauguration Timeline And Projects Included
According to reports, construction work is on track to be completed by April 2026, and Prime Minister Modi is likely to preside over the inauguration during his visit to Leh that month. The launch may include not just the airport terminal but several other important development projects in Ladakh that relate to both strategic needs and civilian use.
These development works include upgraded roads, tunnels and highways that aim to improve connectivity within the Union Territory and beyond. Officials have reportedly said these projects are significant for daily travel, tourism growth and movement in the mountainous region.
PM Modi may visit Leh in April to inaugurate the new airport terminal, boosting connectivity and supporting Ladakh’s strategic and tourism needs.
Why The New Terminal Is Important For Ladakh
Leh Airport is one of the highest-altitude airports in India, and travel to the region has been steadily increasing. The upgraded terminal is expected to ease congestion and make journeys smoother for flyers, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Until now, the airport has continued operations even as the new terminal was being built around it. This means passengers have not faced major disruptions while the infrastructure work has advanced towards the April deadline.
