Which is the Highest Airport in the World?

Last Updated: Apr 2, 2026, 15:16 IST

Which is the highest airport in the world? Learn about its altitude, location, features and interesting facts about the highest airport in India.

Airports are essential for connecting distant regions and supporting travel across the globe. Some airports are built in mountainous areas where land is limited and transportation is difficult. These high-altitude airports require special engineering techniques to ensure safe operations. The highest airport in the world is located in a mountainous region and operates under extreme weather conditions.

Which Is the Highest Airport in the World?

The highest airport in the world is Daocheng Yading Airport, located in China. It stands at an altitude of approximately 4,411 metres above sea level. This makes it the highest commercial airport currently operating. The airport connects remote mountainous regions with major cities. Its construction helped reduce travel time and improve accessibility to isolated areas.

largest airport

Top 5 Highest Airports in the World

1. Daocheng Yading Airport (China)

This airport ranks first due to its extremely high altitude. It supports regional flights and tourism.

2. Qamdo Bamda Airport (China)

This airport has one of the longest runways in the world. It operates in challenging mountainous conditions.

3. Kangding Airport (China)

Kangding Airport is located at high altitude and serves domestic routes.

4. El Alto International Airport (Bolivia)

El Alto Airport serves the city of La Paz and operates at a very high elevation.

5. Leh Airport (India)

Leh Airport in Ladakh is one of the highest airports in India. It plays an important role in tourism and defense operations.

most punctual airport

Interesting Facts About the Highest Airport

It Is Built at an Extreme Altitude
Daocheng Yading Airport is located at a height where oxygen levels are lower than normal. This makes both construction and operation challenging. Engineers had to design special structures to handle extreme weather conditions.

Pilots Need Special Training
Flying at high altitude requires extra skills because aircraft behave differently in thin air. Pilots undergo special training before operating flights at such airports.

Passengers May Feel Altitude Sickness
Some travelers may experience headaches or breathing difficulty due to reduced oxygen levels. Airports provide medical support to handle such situations.

Long Runways Are Necessary
Aircraft require longer runways to take off safely at high altitude. This is due to lower air density at higher elevations.

It Improved Regional Connectivity
Before its construction, reaching the region required long road journeys. The airport reduced travel time significantly and boosted tourism.

Read more: Which Is the Richest Company in the World?

Jasreet Kaur
Jasreet Kaur

Sub Editor

Jasreet Kaur is a journalist with 3+ years of experience. Driven and committed, she writes on Trending News, covering both National and International topics. She has previously worked with Zee News as a content writer.  Fueled by a desire to see positive growth in organizations, society, and the world.

... Read More
First Published: Apr 2, 2026, 15:13 IST

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India, World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App.

Trending

Latest Education News