About Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport
Kushok Bakula Rimpochhe Airport (IATA: IXL, ICAO: VILH) is an airport in Leh,
Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the highest airports in the world at
3,256 m (10,682 ft) above mean sea level. The airport is named after the
Venerable Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, whose 19th Incarnation was an important
Indian and Ladakhi Statesman.
Due to problems with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the security in Leh
Airport is paramount. On flights departing from Leh, hand baggage is not
permitted, with the exception of a camera or a laptop bag. Passengers also
have to identify their check-in baggage after scanning, and before being
loaded onto the aircraft. Additionally, a substantial number of police and
the Indian Army patrol the airport. Also, due to the presence of mountain
winds in the afternoon, all flights in Leh take off and land in the morning.
Passengers are expected to report 2 hours before scheduled departure time to
provide adequate time for security checks.
The approach into Leh is also very challenging as the approach to the
airport is unidirectional, due to the presence of high terrain towards the
Eastern end of the airport. Currently there are 3 airlines operate scheduled
flights in Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport which is Air India, Jet Airways
and GoAir.
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