Introduction to Lhasa Gonggar International Airport
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport (IATA: LXA, ICAO: ZULS), formerly known as Lhasa Gonggar Airport, is a key aviation hub in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Located in the Gonggar County of Shannan, the airport is situated approximately 85 kilometers south of Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. The airport is managed by Lhasa and is one of the highest-altitude airports in the world, standing at 3,569.5 meters (11,713 feet) above sea level. Lhasa Gonggar International Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to Tibet and plays a crucial role in connecting the region with the rest of China and the world.
Historical Background
Lhasa Gonggar Airport was officially opened on November 23, 1966, marking the beginning of aviation services in Tibet. Over the decades, the airport has undergone significant expansions and upgrades to accommodate the growing demand for air travel to and from Tibet. In 2024, the airport was officially renamed Lhasa Gonggar International Airport following approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Location and Accessibility
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport is strategically located in the valley of the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The high-altitude location presents unique operational challenges, but the airport is well-equipped to handle them:
Highways: The airport is accessible via the Lhasa Airport Expressway, providing a direct and efficient route to Lhasa. The journey between the airport and Lhasa city center takes approximately one hour by car.
Public Transportation: Regular bus services operate between the airport and Lhasa, offering convenient and affordable transportation options for travelers.
Facilities and Infrastructure
As of June 2019, Lhasa Gonggar International Airport boasts modern facilities designed to provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers:
Terminal Buildings: The airport has three terminal buildings (T1, T2, and T3) with a combined area of 25,000 square meters. Terminal 3 (T3) was opened in 2021 to handle the increasing passenger traffic. The terminals offer a wide range of amenities, including check-in counters, security checkpoints, duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Runways: The airport features two runways, each 4,000 meters long, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A330 and Boeing 787. The runways are equipped with advanced navigation aids and lighting systems to ensure safe operations in challenging weather conditions.
Parking Stands: Lhasa Gonggar International Airport has ample parking stands for both passenger and cargo aircraft, ensuring efficient handling of flights.
Operations and Services
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport serves as a vital hub for both domestic and international flights:
Passenger Flights: The airport offers regular flights to major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. As of November 2023, the airport connects to 68 cities, including 5 within Tibet, 62 in other parts of China, and 1 international destination.
Cargo Flights: The airport also handles a significant volume of air cargo, supporting the regional economy by facilitating the transport of goods and supplies.
Performance Statistics
Lhasa Gonggar International Airport has experienced steady growth in passenger and cargo traffic:
Passenger Throughput: In 2019, the airport handled 4.5724 million passengers, a 5.0% increase from the previous year, ranking it 48th in China. On November 23, 2023, the airport's annual passenger throughput exceeded 5 million for the first time.
Cargo Throughput: In 2019, the airport processed 39,300 tons of cargo, an 8.3% increase from the previous year, ranking it 44th in China.
Flight Movements: In 2019, there were 39,000 aircraft movements, a 7.8% increase from the previous year, ranking it 67th in China.
