IAF airlifts civilians from Leh under Operation Sadhbhawana

Leh, Jan 15: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a civilian airlift under Operation Sadhbhawana to restore critical connectivity to the snowbound Leh-Ladakh region, airlifting stranded residents after heavy snowfall and prolonged road closures cut off surface links with the rest of the country.

As per an official defence statement issued on Thursday, due to heavy snowfall and prolonged closure of arterial roads, surface connectivity between Leh-Ladakh and other regions of the country is severely disrupted, resulting in hardship for local residents. Responding swiftly to the emerging situation, the IAF activated its airlift resources to ensure safe and timely movement of stranded civilians.

As part of the operation, 60 civilians were successfully airlifted from the Leh-Ladakh region on 06 Jan 2026. The airlift provides essential relief to passengers, who were otherwise cut off due to adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain.

This is a flagship initiative of the Indian Air Force and aims to strengthen civil-military relations and extend assistance to people in remote and inaccessible areas, especially during natural calamities and emergencies. The current airlift is a continuation of the IAF’s proactive role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations across the country.

The Indian Air Force remains fully committed to supporting civil authorities and the local population of Ladakh. Additional airlift missions will be undertaken as required, subject to weather conditions and feasibility. The successful execution of this mission once again underscores the Indian Air Force’s motto of “People First, Mission Always,” reaffirming its role as a dependable lifeline for the nation in times of need.