MP, Ladakh, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal raised a question regarding declaring or operating Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh as an International airport, establishing a custom office, and also the provision of a cargo terminal in the new building of the airport on July 21 during the ongoing parliament session. 

In response to the question, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Gen. (Dr) V.K. Singh (Retd) stated that the Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh is a domestic airport and is notified as Custom Airport by the Ministry of Finance under Custom Act, 1962. He said that at present no such proposal is under consideration. Regarding the declaration and operation of Leh airport as International Airport, Minister replied that it depends upon traffic potential and the demand from the airlines for operation of International flights, bilateral air services agreements, besides provision for ground lighting facilities, instrument landing system, adequate runway, length, immigration, health, and Animal &Plant quarantine services, etc. 

Replying to the proposal to make provision for cargo at the New Terminal Building of KBR Airport, Leh, it was stated that it is in the planning stage. However, the Domestic Air Cargo movement is being facilitated through the interim building which has an annual handling capacity of 22, 161 metric tonnes, he added.