There are currently 5 airports located in the different regions of Tibet. The most commonly used one is the airport in Lhasa called Lhasa Gonggar Airport. It is the major air hub for entering and departing Tibet.
1. Lhasa Gonggar Airport
Situated about 60km away from Lhasa city, Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the most important air hub for entering and departing Tibet. Besides the domestic flights to/from inland cities of China, there are also international flights to/from Kathmandu.
2. Nyingchi Mainling Airport
Situated in Mainling, Nyingchi of eastern Tibet, Nyingchi Mainling Airport (elev. 3000m) is the one with the lowest altitude among all five airports in Tibet. For many travellers who prefer the natural scenery of eastern Tibet, Nyingchi Mainling Airport is a much preferable choice to arrive in Tibet. Particularly, Malaysians and Singaporeans like to take the plane from Chengdu to Nyingchi directly. After sightseeing in Nyingchi, then travel their way gradually to Lhasa, Shigatse, and EBC.
3. Shigatse Peace Airport
It is located in Jiangdang Township, 43km from Shigatse. Situated at an elevation of 3782m, it is one of the highest airports in the world. Usually when travellers want to see as much as possible during their limited holidays, they depart Tibet from Shigatse Peace Airport, instead return to Lhasa for the night, and then fly out from Lhasa on the next day.
4. Ngari Gunsa Airport
It is also referred as Ali Airport, and is situated 45km from southwest Shiquanhe Town. It was opened in 1st July 2010 and became another important entrance to Tibet. However travellers seldom travel this way due to high expenses. Not that the cost for plane ticket is expensive. But because by flying between Lhasa and Ngari Gunsa Airport, you are not only paying for the plane tickets, you also need to pay for the vehicle & guide to get there and back to Lhasa by land. Most travel vehicles and guides in Tibet are based in Lhasa.
5. Qamdo Bangda Airport
It is the second highest airport in the world with elevation of 4334m. Situated in east Tibet area, Qamdo Bangda Airport is famous for the farthest distance to downtown with the world’s worst climate and the longest runway. Currently, Qamdo Airport has flights to Lhasa, Chengdu, Chongqing, Tianjin and Anhui Fuyang. It offers a convenient way to visit famous spots, like Ranwu Lake and Karuo Relics in Qamdo. But this area is most of time off limit to foreign travellers.
