At an elevation of above sea level, Qamdo Airport was formerly the
highest airport in the world. It was surpassed by
Daocheng Yading Airport, with an elevation of , on 16 September 2013. It has a very long runway, , 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 runway was built, and the original runway was closed. ==Airlines and destinations==