Subsidised helicopter services resume across Ladakh
3 October 2026
The Ladakh administration restarted subsidised helicopter services on 29 September 2026 through Pawan Hans Limited under a wet lease agreement supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Seven routes run from Leh: Kargil, Padum, Turtuk, Lingshed, Dibling, Nyerak and Diskit. Fares range from ₹4,650 for 30-minute sectors to ₹7,750 for Leh-Kargil, which takes 50 minutes. The service is meant to improve air connectivity to remote areas and help tourist and emergency medical movement. Seats are booked on heliservice.ladakh.gov.in.
Operator:
Pawan Hans Limited
Routes from Leh:
7
Leh-Kargil fare:
₹7,750
Leh-Padum fare:
₹6,975
Why it matters for exams: Regional air connectivity and the geography of remote Ladakh (Zanskar, Nubra, Turtuk) are recurring static-plus-current links.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Wet lease Aircraft leased with crew — A lease in which the aircraft is supplied together with its crew and maintenance.