Hongyuan Airport (AHJ)

Hongyuan Airport (AHJ), also known as Aba Hongyuan Airport, is a high-plateau aviation facility located in Hongyuan County within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, China. Situated at a staggering elevation of 3,535 meters (11,598 feet) above sea level, it ranks as one of the highest commercial airports in the world. Since its opening in 2014, the airport has served as a critical gateway for the remote northwestern region of Sichuan, providing a fast and reliable alternative to the long and often arduous road journeys across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The terminal building at Hongyuan is a modern, 3,600-square-meter facility designed to handle the unique physiological and logistical challenges of high-altitude travel. Inside, the architecture is functional and spacious, offering comfortable waiting areas and basic amenities for passengers. Given the extreme elevation, the terminal is equipped with specialized oxygen supply systems and medical assistance areas to help travelers adjust to the thin mountain air. While it does not feature the extensive retail and dining halls of large urban hubs, it provides all the essential services required for a smooth transition, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and a small cafeteria serving local Tibetan-inspired refreshments. Beyond its role in civil transport, AHJ is a vital hub for the region's burgeoning tourism industry, particularly for those visiting the famous Hongyuan and Ruoergai grasslands. The airport is primarily served by Air China, which operates strategic routes connecting the plateau with major centers like Chengdu and Lhasa. The terminal's location, surrounded by vast prairies and rolling hills, offers arriving passengers immediate and breathtaking views of the high-altitude landscape. This facility has significantly improved the accessibility of one of China's most culturally and ecologically significant regions, supporting local development while maintaining international standards of aviation safety.