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Qamdo Bamba Airport in China's Tibet Autonomous Region is often labeled as the "world's loneliest airport." Known for its remote location on the Tibetan Plateau, it features one of the highest elevations for an airport globally. As described by the Great Tibet Tour, "Qamdo Bamda Airport is known as 'the world's farthest airport away from the downtown', 'the world's longest runway (5,500 m)' and 'the world's worst climate' in Eastern Tibet."
The airport, situated at an elevation of 14,765 feet above sea level, once held the record for having the longest paved runway at 5,500 meters. However, this was replaced in 2015 with a new 4,500-meter runway. This extensive length helps counteract reduced engine and lift performance due to high altitudes.
Flights operate to five destinations within China from Qamdo Bamba Airport: Lhasa, Chengdu, Chongqing, Tianjin, and Anhui Fuyang. Travel from Lhasa takes about an hour by air compared to nearly three days by road due to challenging terrain.
