Daocheng Yading Airport, World’s Highest Civilian Airport
Daocheng Yading Airport (IATA code DCY), also known as Kangding Airport, is the world’s highest civilian airport, located at an elevation of 4,411 meters (14,472 feet) above sea level in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. It is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of Daocheng County, and serves the Yading Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The airport was opened in September 2013 and has a runway that is 4,200 meters (13,810 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide. It can handle Boeing 737 and Airbus A319 aircraft. The airport has a single terminal building that can handle up to 1,200 passengers per hour.
Due to its high altitude, Daocheng Yading Airport requires special operating procedures. Aircraft must take off and land at a slower speed than at lower altitudes, and passengers are advised to acclimatize to the altitude before flying.
The airport is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Yading Nature Reserve, which is known for its stunning scenery, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes. The airport also serves the local community by providing transportation to and from major cities in China.
Flights and Accessibility
Flights to Daocheng Yading Airport operate primarily from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, with a flight duration of about 1 hour. Seasonal direct flights are also available from cities like Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Xi’an during peak tourist seasons (Centre for Aviation) (China Discovery).
The airport is around 50 kilometers from Daocheng County and 128 kilometers from the Yading Nature Reserve, both of which are accessible by taxi, private vehicles, or airport shuttle services (China Discovery).
Safety and Altitude Sickness
For passengers unaccustomed to high altitudes, altitude sickness is a genuine concern. The airport advises travelers to take precautions, such as acclimatizing in lower-altitude areas before flying to Daocheng and drinking plenty of fluids. The high-altitude conditions also require pilots and airlines to follow strict protocols to ensure safe operations (ECNS).
Why is Daocheng Yading Airport So Important?
- Strategic Location for Tourism Daocheng Yading Airport primarily serves as the gateway to the Yading Nature Reserve, a remote and scenic area known as the “last Shangri-La.” The reserve is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the three sacred Tibetan peaks, snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and unique biodiversity. Prior to the airport’s opening, travelers faced a grueling two-day bus journey from Chengdu to reach this hidden gem(Wikipedia)(China Discovery). The airport has now slashed travel time to just one hour by air, making it far more accessible.
- Record-breaking Altitude Daocheng Yading Airport is located at an altitude of 4,411 meters, surpassing the previous record-holder, Qamdo Bamda Airport, which sits at 4,334 meters(Centre for Aviation). The airport’s extreme elevation presents unique operational challenges. Aircraft require a longer takeoff distance due to the thinner air at higher altitudes, and both passengers and crew must take precautions against altitude sickness.
- Engineering Challenges Building an airport at such a high altitude involved significant engineering feats. The thin air at this elevation affects not only flight operations but also construction equipment. Special modifications were made to accommodate the reduced oxygen levels, and advanced technologies were employed to ensure the safety and reliability of the airport(ECNS).
- Boosting Regional Economy and Tourism The airport plays a crucial role in the local economy by driving tourism and improving the standard of living for the residents of this remote region. Since its opening, it has significantly increased tourist traffic, contributing to the growth of the hospitality industry in Daocheng County and the broader Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture(China Discovery).
Conclusion
Daocheng Yading Airport stands as a testament to human ingenuity, overcoming geographical challenges to connect the world to one of its most remote and beautiful regions. Whether you are an adventurer seeking to explore the pristine beauty of Yading Nature Reserve or a cultural enthusiast eager to experience Tibetan culture, this airport is your starting point for an unforgettable journey.
