Changdu Bangda Airport, also known as Qamdo Bamda Airport, is an airport serving Qamdo (Changdu), Tibet Autonomous Region, China. It is located in the village of Bamda (Bangda).

Background

At an elevation of 4334 m above sea level, Qamdo Airport was formerly the highest airport in the world. It was surpassed by Daocheng Yading Airport, with an elevation of 4411 m, on 16 September 2013. It has a very long runway, 4.5 km, a necessary feature to accommodate the reduced engine and lift performance that affect aircraft at high altitude, requiring higher than normal takeoff speeds and therefore longer takeoff and landing runs. Runway repairs took place in 2007 and 2013 after decay from the weather. A new 4500 m runway was built, and the original 5500 m runway was closed.

Airlines and destinations