Parliament Question: Safety Concerns at Leh Airport

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3347 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 12th March 2026 ) SAFETY CONCERNS AT LEH AIRPORT 3347. SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) whether the Government is aware of recent safety issues at Leh's Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport including stray dogs entering the runway and increasing bird-hit risks arising from unregulated waste disposal and garbage dumps near the airfield and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether any assessment has been made regarding the impact of such incidents on passenger safety and day-to-day airport operations, particularly in view of Leh's limited flying window and if so, the details thereof; (c) the corrective steps taken/proposed to be taken to eliminate open dumping sites around the airport, install bird-deterrent measures such as bird-spikes and prevent stray animals from entering the runway; and (d) whether the Government proposes to ensure regular monitoring and long- term maintenance in coordination with aviation authorities, local administration and wildlife management authorities so that flight safety, especially in civil and defence operations at this strategically important airport is not jeopardised and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) to (d): Three (03) cases of stray animals were reported at Leh Airport in the year 2025. However, no incident of wildlife strike was reported. Leh Airport is a civil enclave where the operational area including runway is controlled by Indian Air Force. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) regulations, Aerodrome Advisory Circulars and guidelines for regular monitoring and preventing potential wildlife hazards at licensed airports to ensure safety of Aircraft operations.Aerodrome operator coordinate with local authorities to manage wildlife hazard activities which is a component of wildlife hazard management plan. Accordingly, regular meetings in form of Airfield Environment Management Committee (AEMC) chaired by the District Administration with all stakeholders are conducted to reduce wildlife activity in vicinity of aerodrome including strengthening waste management practices. ******