Administrative Secy Civil Aviation Reviews Critical Operational at Air Force Station Leh

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, June 18 : Administrative Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, UT Ladakh, Nidhi Malik, today chaired a high-level interdepartmental meeting to review and deliberate on a range of critical operational, infrastructure, aviation safety and security concerns raised by Air Force Station Leh.

The issues had been highlighted in a communication addressed to the Office of the LG on May 20, 2026, necessitating coordinated action by multiple stakeholder departments and agencies.

The meeting brought together senior representatives from Air Force Station Leh, the Civil Aviation Department, Airports Authority, Public Works Department (PWD), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Power Development Department (PDD), Revenue Department, Urban Development Department, Wildlife Department, and other concerned agencies.

The objective was to comprehensively assess matters affecting the safe, secure and efficient functioning of aviation operations at Leh Airport and to identify actionable measures for their timely resolution.

At the outset, officials from the Civil Aviation Department presented the agenda and briefed participants on the operational and infrastructure-related concerns highlighted by the Air Force authorities. Representatives from Air Force Station Leh subsequently provided detailed insights into key issues concerning the proposed second runway, obstacle limitation requirements, airspace safety considerations, terrain-related constraints, and the need to address physical obstructions that could adversely impact flight operations.

Extensive discussions were held on the presence of hills, elevated terrain features and other structures located within areas of operational significance.

Air Force officials emphasized that these factors require careful scientific assessment to ensure compliance with prescribed aviation safety standards and to accommodate both current and future operational requirements.

Recognizing the importance of the matter, Malik directed all concerned departments, including the BRO, Revenue Department and relevant technical agencies, to undertake a joint survey of the identified locations. She instructed them to submit a comprehensive report containing technical assessments and recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making and further action.

The meeting also examined security concerns arising from unauthorized photography and videography within and around sensitive airport areas.