Burang Pulan Airport (APJ)

Burang Pulan Airport (APJ), also known as Ali Pulan or Ngari Burang Airport, is a significant dual-use aviation facility that officially opened in December 2023. Located in Burang County within the Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, it serves as a modern gateway to one of the most remote and high-altitude regions in China. Its opening represents a major milestone in the development of the 'Three Hubs and One Gate' aviation strategy for the Tibetan plateau. The airport holds immense strategic and economic importance for China's southwestern border region. Designed to handle up to 150,000 passengers and 600 tons of cargo annually, it provides a crucial link for the local community, government administration, and regional defense logistics. By significantly reducing travel times to the prefectural capital and beyond, the facility is a key driver for regional integration and the burgeoning tourism sector in western Tibet. Technically, the airport features a modern 6,000-square-meter passenger terminal equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Inside, travelers have access to comfortable waiting lounges, dedicated retail spaces, and essential administrative offices. The infrastructure also includes a 4,500-meter runway and a dedicated air traffic control tower, all built to withstand the extreme weather conditions and low atmospheric pressure characteristic of the high-altitude environment. Despite its rugged surroundings, the terminal offers a streamlined and professional experience for all passengers. Situated at a staggering elevation of 4,250 meters (13,940 feet) above sea level, Burang Pulan is among the highest airports in the world. This extreme altitude means that travelers arriving from lower elevations must be acutely aware of potential altitude sickness and are strongly advised to plan for proper acclimatization. The airport serves as the primary arrival point for pilgrims and tourists visiting the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, offering unparalleled views of the majestic Tibetan landscape and ensuring that these world-renowned sites are more accessible than ever before.