A total of 576 passengers were airlifted by the Indian Air Force on March 18. The IL-76 aircraft transported 455 passengers from Srinagar and Jammu to Leh in two sorties, while the AN-32 Kargil Courier airlifted 71 passengers, including 53 from Srinagar to Kargil and 18 from Kargil to Srinagar.

The passengers expressed their gratitude to CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Member of Parliament Ladakh, Deputy Commissioner Kargil, the Ministry of Defence, the Airports Authority of India, the Indian Air Force, Air India, AIASL, CISF, CRPF, Ladakh Police, and other associated agencies. They also extended their appreciation to the Chief Coordinator, Liaison Officers, Deputy Coordinator, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Liaison Officers, and the staff of the Deputy Commissioner Kargil for their efforts in facilitating the air service.