Operating at high altitudes brings its own, fascinating set of challenges, with airports in such locations often requiring longer runways. This is due to the thinner air in such conditions generating less lift, thus making planes need more time and space to get airborne. But what are the world's highest airports? Let's find out!
1 Daocheng Yading
All of the world's five highest airports are located in China, with the pick of the bunch being Daocheng Yading Airport (DCY), in Sichuan Province, in the south of the country towards its border with Myanmar. Opened in September 2013, this facility sits at a whopping 4,411 meters (14,472 feet) above mean sea level.
The airport is known for its futuristic, UFO-shaped terminal building, which occupies an area of 5,000 square meters (54,000 square feet). Owing to the facility's altitude, its runway clocks in at some 4,200 meters in length. Most of Daocheng's flights serve Chengdu, with these replacing the previously-required two-day bus trip. 2021 saw it handle 155,474 passengers across 2,314 aircraft movements.
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2 Qamdo Bamda
Also known as Changdu Bangda Airport, this facility, whose IATA code is BPX, was the world's highest airport until Daocheng Yading opened in 2013. Located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, it sits at a height of 4,334 meters (14,219 feet). Its runway is actually longer than that of Daocheng, clocking in at 4,500 meters.
The facility is somewhat busier, having handled more than 400,000 passengers last year. Chengdu (Air China and Tibet Airlines) and Chongqing (Tibet Airlines and West Air) see flights from multiple different carriers, while Lanzhou, Lhasa, and Xi'an also see representation from Tibet Airlines. In addition to its passenger traffic, the airport also handled almost 1,500 metric tons of cargo in 2021.
3 Kangding
Returning to China's Sichuan Province, third on the list we have Kangding Airport (KGT). This facility commenced its commercial operations in April 2009, and its altitude is 4,280 meters (14,042 feet) above mean sea level.
Just over 25,000 passengers across almost 950 movements used this airport, whose single runway measures 4,000 meters in length, last year. Lucky Air and Sichuan Airlines are its two resident carriers, serving various Chinese destinations.
4 Ngari Günsa
Located somewhat further to the west, and within the Tibet Autonomous Region, fourth-placed Ngari Günsa Airport (NGQ) sits at an altitude of 4,274 meters (14,022 feet). When this facility commenced its commercial operations back in July 2010, it became Tibet's fourth civilian airport. 190,056 passengers used it last year.
The airport, whose runway stretches for 4,500 meters, sees commercial service from China Eastern, Lucky Air, and Tibet Airlines. Fighter jets are also present due to its dual-use civilian/military status. Cargo plays a far smaller role.
5 Garze Gesar
Rounding out the top five, we have the newest facility on the list, with Garze Gesar Airport (GZG) having only opened its doors to the paying public in September 2019. It sits 4,068 m (13,346 feet) above sea level, and handled just under 81,000 passengers in 2021. In terms of its runway, it clocks in at 4,000 meters long.
What do you make of the world's highest airports? How many have you visited? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
Sources: Expert World Travel, Vaisala