- Sep 30, 2025
Leh Airport is renowned as the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IATA: IXL, ICAO: VILH), which is named after respected Indian and Ladakhi statesman Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. The popular domestic Airport serves the Capital of Ladakh and is located at 3256 m (10,682 ft) above sea level, which makes it one of the highest located airports across the Globe. Therefore, due to its location, reaching the Airport is challenging as well as scenic. The Airport was constructed in 1961, and it remained open until 1985. If you are planning to fly from Leh to experience the scenic journey with your family or infant, but are wondering about the Leh Airport terminal facilities, transportation modes, Airport Check-in, and other information, then this article is for you. Then it is highly recommended to go through the following guide, as it will help you with a smooth journey experience from one of the highest airports in the world.
- Leh Airport Name: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.
- Leh Airport Address: 4HV4 +259, Leh Ladakh, 194101.
- Leh Airport IATA code: IXL.
- Leh Airport Helpline phone numbers: XXX-XXXX-XXXX.
- Leh Airport Police Station: Terminal 2.
- Operational Hours: Opens at 6 am.
Leh Airport Terminal:
Currently, Leh Airport is under development to replace the small terminal with a large structure, so it is only operating one domestic Terminal to manage the flight operations to major and minor cities of the Country. Therefore, the new terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, which will feature geothermal and solar power systems, have a capacity for 2 million passengers, and have approximately 15 to 20 check-in counters and numerous passenger-friendly facilities.
See also: Indore Airport Guide 2025
Terminal 1:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has Terminal 1, from where it manages all its flight operations to/from several major and minor cities of the country. However, the passengers will be greeted with all kinds of basic amenities and facilities available within the terminal for a smooth boarding experience, like check-in counters, lounges, Wi-Fi services, restrooms, specialised seating, self-service baggage drop counters, and more. The Airport is spread over an area of approximately 2500 square meters.
See also: Guwahati Airport Guide 2025
Airlines operating from each Leh Airport Terminal:
To boost the flight connectivity, there are numerous renowned Airlines that are serving flights to several metropolitan and small cities within the country to provide an extensive network. Mainly, there are three popular Airlines that offer both direct and connecting flights to/from Leh Airport (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport), including Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet. These are the Airlines that offer flights every day from Leh Airport to multiple destinations such as New Delhi (DEL), Jammu (IXJ), Chandigarh (IXC), Srinagar (SXR), Mumbai (BOM), and more. Although the terminals are equipped with various amenities, including baggage counters, lounges, Airport Check-in counters, specialised seating sections, food courts, and more, they aim to provide a hassle-free journey to their travellers.
See also: Dehradun Airport Guide 2025
Transportation to and from Leh Airport:
Leh domestic Airport, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, is one of the highest airports in the world; however, reaching the Airport is absolutely challenging and scenic, but it provides connectivity from various transportation modes so that the travellers can experience a smooth boarding and journey experience. Thus, to find out about the various transportation modes available to and from Leh Airport, travellers should take a look at the information given below.
- Train: Leh Airport does provide transportation connectivity from the Leh Railway Station, which is nearly 5.5km away and takes approximately 13 minutes to reach the Airport. The best way to reach the Airport is by train, as there are numerous train options available from the Railway Station to approach the Airport.
- Taxi and Cab Services: From Leh Airport, travellers can also find pre-paid taxi and cab options, which are available just outside the Terminal. Therefore, the taxis and cab services are one of the convenient and reliable options to reach Leh town, as the town is located just 2.6km away, which might take nearly 7 minutes via taxi to reach the destination. The taxi may cost nearly INR 600 to cover the distance from Leh Airport to town.
- Buses: Passengers who are looking for an affordable transportation option can choose the bus to reach the Leh Airport, which is just 5km distance from the Bus Stand and takes approximately 10 minutes to cover the total distance. However, the travellers can reach the bus stand by taking a local taxi that ensures easy access.
See also: Amritsar Airport Guide 2025
Leh Airport Baggage Services & Lost and Found:
Leh Airport does provide hi-tech baggage services to make the passenger's flight boarding smooth and convenient. The Airport is equipped with advanced scanners that automatically scan the baggage, or else the passengers can also get the free baggage trolleys to easily drop the luggage at the baggage counters to complete the baggage drop process. Somehow, if the traveller's luggage is delayed or lost, they can report it at the Baggage Lost and Found counter, which is located at Terminal 1.
See also: Vadodara Airport Guide 2025
Documents required for Lost and Found item:
To report the lost and found item within the Leh Airport, passengers must have a few necessary documents handy, as listed in the following data.
- Travelling Proof, like a Flight Boarding pass, an E-boarding pass, an Immigration Stamp, or a Passport.
- Valid government ID card such as a Passport, a driving License, an Aadhar Card, and a Voter card.
- Details of the lost item.
See also: Shillong Airport Guide 2025
Leh Airport Check-in and security procedures:
To make the journey comfortable and convenient, Leh Airport has several dedicated Airport check-in counters and security check-in for various domestic flights. Significantly, passengers can also complete the check-in through web check-in, thus saving time; however, some start wondering which is better, web check-in vs Airport check-in, so mostly travellers choose web check-in, as after that, travellers can easily drop off the luggage and move to the boarding gate to board the flight. Passengers should reach the Airport at least two hours before the flight departure time, as the travellers should go through the security screening at the Airport, then move towards the check-in counter to receive the boarding pass, drop their luggage, and head towards the boarding gate for smooth flight boarding. Well, the security screening includes scanning for the carry-on bags, personal bags, personal items, and travellers separately.
See also: Pune Airport Guide
Leh Airport Facilities and Amenities:
To make the trip comfortable and relaxing, Leh Airport does provide a wide range of facilities and Amenities to its travellers. Currently, Leh Airport is developing a new terminal to manage approximately 2 million passengers and also ensure that it provides some top-notch services and facilities at the Airport to give a world-class experience. Despite this, Terminal 1 of the domestic Leh Airport is also equipped with amazing facilities, as discussed below.
1. Lounges:
Leh Airport does have a private Lounge which is accessible for the Premium Class travellers and elite status holders. Simultaneously, Leh Airport does provide a wide range of services to the passengers. To discover what amenities are available at the Leh Airport, passengers should take a look at the information given below.
- Private rooms for the passengers.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Relaxing waiting areas.
- Other premium services
- Assistance with luggage.
See also: Bagdogra Airport Guide 2025
2. Complimentary Wi-Fi and Charging Stations:
Currently, the Leh Airport Terminal 1 does not provide complimentary Wi-Fi services and mobile charging stations within the Airport premises. To operate the mobile connectivity, passengers are required to use their mobile data; therefore, to access the complimentary Wi-Fi service and mobile charging station, travellers should access the Leh Airport Premium Lounge so that the passengers can easily access the Airport Lounge either using their Credit/Debit Cards, Priority pass, or a Single-time use day pass, and other methods.
See also: Cochin Airport Guide 2025
3. Shopping and Duty Free Stores:
Before the flight boarding, there are various ways to spend the waiting time at the Leh Airport, whether between stopovers or direct flight boarding. Travellers can enjoy shopping at the Leh Airport to shop for luxurious items, apparel, accessories, and souvenirs for friends and family members.
See also: Chennai Airport Guide 2025
4. Dining options:
Besides Lounge access, duty-free stores, and other shopping options, the Leh Airport also has many eateries, popular food chains, coffee shops, and more. However, all eateries offer both Ladakhi as well as International delicious cuisines like The Tibetan Kitchen, Bin Appetit, Chopsticks Noodles Bar, and more.
See also: Jaipur Airport Guide 2025
5. ATMs:
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport has one ATM available for passengers, which is located at Terminal 1 of the domestic Leh Airport. Sometimes, the ATM functionality may be inconsistent, so it is highly recommended to carry cash INR for instant use upon arrival and departure.
See also: Kolkata Airport Guide
Leh Airport Special Services for International Travellers:
Currently, Leh Airport does offer direct International flights, which means there are no special services available for International travelers. Simultaneously, there are plenty of necessary domestic services available at the Leh Airport, including Premium Lounges, dedicated Airlines Airport check-in counter, baggage drop counters, shopping and dining areas, transportation facilities, and wheelchair assistance, parking, restrooms, and more, to elevate the journey and Flight boarding.
- Currency Exchange: To facilitate international passengers, Leh Airport does have a Currency Exchange counter, as travellers can also find foreign exchange services of multiple renowned Banks such as the State Bank of India and J&K Bank.
- Medical Facilities: For passengers, Leh Airport has essential medical facilities available at Terminal 1 of Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, as the Airport is located at one of the highest altitudes in the world, so it is important to provide basic medical facilities to the passengers to avoid altitude sickness.
See also: Delhi Airport Guide 2025
Tips for a smooth experience at Leh Airport:
To ensure a smooth travel to/from Leh Airport, it is important to keep a few things in mind for a hassle-free trip. Therefore, to avoid delays and inconvenience at the Airport, passengers are recommended to follow some essential tips for a smooth experience at the Airport, so take note of the following data.
- The most effective and convenient way for the Leh Airport passengers is to prefer web check-in, as several Airlines allow web check-in up to 24 to 48 hours before departure.
- To prevent delays and inconvenience, travellers are recommended to visit the Leh Airport at least 2 to 3 hours before the scheduled flight departure time.
- To save time and money, passengers should pack bags efficiently and make sure to check the specific Airline's checked baggage policy.
- Once reach the Leh Airport, travellers should check in, then drop off the luggage and complete the security screening.
- Passengers should consider opting for TSA PreCheck to take advantage of express lines.
See also: Bangalore Airport Guide 2025
Future Expansion Plans for Leh Airport:
Although the Leh Airport is completely functional nowadays, it is still undergoing the development of a large structure of another terminal to replace the small terminal to provide modern facilities and a large space to handle approximately 2 million passengers. Simultaneously, the new terminal construction of the Leh Airport is to be completed by the end of 2025 with plenty of modern facilities and amenities to make the passenger's flight boarding effortless and convenient; therefore, the development of the terminal costs INR 480 crores.
See also: Ahmedabad Airport Guide 2025
Conclusion:
Leh Airport is the starting point of the adventure as it is a popular tourist destination for those seeking trekking, exploring monasteries, serene, breathtaking landscapes, with stunning views. For a smooth journey, passengers should take note of the above guide that covers all the necessary information that leads to avoiding delays at the Airport, including Leh Airport services, Check-in/ security procedures, Terminals, and essential tips. To find more details, passengers can consider calling the Leh Airport customer service phone number to collect all the needed information.
See also: Hyderabad Airport Guide 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Terminal does Indigo use at Leh Airport?
To operate both direct and connecting Flights to and from Leh, Indigo uses Terminal 1 at the Leh Airport.
Is there a metro connection to Leh Airport?
Currently, there is no metro connection available to the Leh Airport, but there are several other transportation modes available to reach the Leh Airport.
Can I sleep at Leh Airport overnight?
Usually, Passengers sleeping overnight is not permitted at the Leh Airport due to its high altitude location, as it creates the chances for altitude sickness.
Are there food options for vegetarians at Leh Airport?
Yes, travellers can find various food options for vegetarians at the Leh Airport, like Ladakhi cuisine, and a wide range of delicious vegetarian dishes.
How early should I arrive at Leh Airport for an International Flight?
To board the flight on time, passengers should reach the Leh Airport at least three hours before the scheduled flight departure time.
What are the different terminals at Leh Airport, and how do I know where to go?
Leh Airport is currently operating a single terminal to manage all its domestic Flight operations; thus, to determine where to go, passengers should consider checking their boarding pass.
Which Airlines operate from Terminal 3 at the Leh Airport?
Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport only has Terminal 1, where it operates all major Airlines' flights such as Indigo, Air India, and Spice Jet.
How can I travel between Terminals at Leh Airport?
Leh Airport has only Terminal 1, so travellers won't need to travel between the Terminals at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport.
Is there free Wi-Fi available at Leh Airport?
To enjoy the Free Wi-Fi service at the Leh Airport, passengers should access the Airport Premium Lounge.
Where can I find Lounges at the Leh Airport, and how can I access them?
Leh Airport private Lounge is located at Terminal 1 and can be accessed by the premium class travellers, using the airline's Loyalty program and using Credit/Debit Cards.
Are there hotels near Leh Airport for layovers or overnight stays?
There are multiple hotels near Leh Airport perfect for layovers or overnight stays, like Orion Home Leh Ladakh, Snow Retreat, The Silk Route, and more.
How early should I reach Leh Airport for a domestic Flight?
To board the domestic flight, passengers should visit the Leh Airport at least 2 hours before the flight departure time.
What are the transportation options from Leh Airport to the City?
There are various transportation options available from Leh Airport, like buses, trains, and private taxi and cab services to reach the City.
Can I book a prepaid taxi at Leh Airport?
Travelers can book a prepaid taxi either from a renowned travel agent or outside the Leh Airport.
Does Leh Airport offer facilities for disabled or elderly passengers?
Yes, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport ( Leh Airport) does provide various facilities for disabled or elderly passengers, such as wheelchair assistance.
Where is the lost and found counter at Leh Airport?
The Leh Airport Lost and Found counter is located in Terminal 1, so passengers can reach the Airport officials to get assistance to report any lost items.
Is Leh Airport open 24 hours for travelers?
No, Leh Airport does not remain open 24 hours for passengers, but it usually remains open for travelers at 6 am.
Are there duty-free shops at Leh Airport for International travellers?
Currently, Leh Airport is not operating International Flights, so the airport does not have specific duty-free shops for international travellers.
How do I check Flight status for departures from Leh Airport?
To check the specific Flight status for departures from Leh Airport, travelers can use several Flight status tracker Apps.
Can I carry food inside Leh Airport or on the Plane?
Passengers are allowed to carry food inside the Leh Airport or on the plane with a few restrictions, such as solid food, non-smelly food items, and securely packed food. However, to carry baby food and prescribed medicines, passengers should check the specific Airline rules.
