Lhasa Airport

Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA) is Tibet's gateway to the outside world. First put into operation in 1965, Lhasa Gonggar Airport is located in Shannan Region, about 98 kilometers (61 miles) south of Lhasa, at the south bank of Brahmaputra River. Standing more than 3600 meters above sea level makes Lhasa Gonggar Airport one of the highest airports in the world. Lhasa Airport holds more than 40 flights a week and total passengers nearly 1,100,000. After the renovation in 2004, domestic airlines using Lhasa Gonggar Airport can reach Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Chongqing, Xian, Xining, Kunming, Diqing and Chamdo Region. One international airline connects Katmandu and Lhasa.

Lhasa airport has a 4 kilometers long airstrip, being the longest runway in China, which can handle many large types of big aircrafts landing and taking-off. The total area of Lhasa airport reaches 25,000 square meters (about 6.2 acres). Lhasa Gonggar Airport has one terminal building which looks like a huge yak head with vivid Tibetan features. The terminal is divided into domestic section and international section. There are ticket office, departures hall and baggage claim area on 1 floor; while on 2 floor you can find departure lounge, restaurants and shops. Four loading bridge will lead passengers here to their airplane. It takes about 40 minutes from the Gonggar Airport to downtown Lhasa by airport shuttle bus (RMB 25) or taxi which will cost CNY 150- 250.