About Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport

Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport (IATA: IXL, ICAO: VILH) is an airport in Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the highest airports in the world at 3,256 m (10,682 ft) above mean sea level. The airport is named after the Venerable Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, whose 19th Incarnation was an important Indian and Ladakhi Statesman.

Due to problems with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the security in Leh Airport is paramount. On flights departing from Leh, hand baggage is not permitted, with the exception of a camera or a laptop bag. Passengers also have to identify their check-in baggage after scanning, and before being loaded onto the aircraft. Additionally, a substantial number of police and the Indian Army patrol the airport. Also, due to the presence of mountain winds in the afternoon, all flights in Leh take off and land in the morning. Passengers are expected to report 2 hours before scheduled departure time to provide adequate time for security checks.

The approach into Leh is also very challenging as the approach to the airport is unidirectional, due to the presence of high terrain towards the Eastern end of the airport. Currently there are 3 airlines operate scheduled flights in Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport which is Air India, Jet Airways and GoAir.

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