Kargil, February 7, 2026 : The AN-32 Kargil Courier Service formally commenced operations for the winter season on Saturday, restoring crucial air connectivity for the people of Kargil during the region’s harsh winter months when road links remain closed.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and crew were accorded a warm reception at Kargil Airport by Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Mohd Feroz, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho, and Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Shafiq Ahmed.
Both the Executive Councillor and the Deputy Commissioner lauded the Indian Air Force for its consistent support in operating the Kargil Courier Service every winter. They highlighted that the service is a lifeline for residents, especially elderly citizens, patients requiring medical treatment in Jammu and Srinagar, and students travelling for education.
At Srinagar Airport, the AN-32 aircraft was received by Chief Coordinator Kargil Courier Service Aamir Ali, Airport Director Srinagar Javed Anjum, and officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), CISF, AIASL, along with liaison officers.
On the first day of operations, a total of 82 passengers were airlifted, with 29 passengers flown from Kargil to Srinagar and 53 passengers from Srinagar to Kargil, including children and infants, officials said.
Later in the day, the Deputy Commissioner Kargil, accompanied by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, conducted a detailed inspection of arrangements at Kargil Airport, reviewing security, frisking, ticket-checking counters, luggage scanning, boarding procedures and other facilities. He directed all concerned departments to ensure the smooth, safe and efficient operation of the Kargil Courier Service throughout the winter season.
The resumption of the AN-32 service once again underlines the critical role of the Indian Air Force in maintaining connectivity and supporting civilian life in remote and snowbound regions of Ladakh.
