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Tibet's gateway airport, among the world's highest.
Opened
1965
Location
Gonggar, China
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is the primary airport serving Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Located in Gonggar County in Shannan Prefecture, it sits approximately 60 kilometers south of central Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley at an elevation of roughly 3,570 meters (11,713 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest commercial airports on Earth.
The airport has undergone significant expansion over the years to accommodate growing passenger traffic to Tibet. It serves as an important gateway for both domestic travelers and tourists visiting the region, with flights connecting to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai.
Due to Tibet's restricted-access status, travelers flying into Lhasa typically require a Tibet Travel Permit in addition to standard Chinese visas. The high altitude environment presents unique operational challenges for aircraft performance and passenger acclimatization.
Terminals
The airport operates with multiple terminal facilities following expansion projects, capable of handling several million passengers annually.
Getting to & from
Passengers travel between the airport and central Lhasa via an approximately 60-kilometer expressway, with shuttle buses and private taxis available for the roughly one-hour journey.
Airlines here
Major carriers serving the airport include Air China, Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines.
Notable facts
- ›Situated at approximately 3,570 meters (11,713 feet) above sea level, one of the world's highest commercial airports.
- ›Located about 60 kilometers south of Lhasa city center in the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley.
- ›Foreign visitors and most Chinese citizens require a special Tibet Travel Permit to enter the region.
- ›High altitude requires special aircraft performance calculations and limits some aircraft types.
- ›Opened in 1965, initially as a military airfield before civilian operations expanded.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
