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One of the world's highest commercial airports, gateway to Yading.
Opened
2013
Location
Daocheng, China
Daocheng Yading Airport (IATA: DCY, ICAO: ZUDC) is located in Daocheng County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. It serves as the primary air access point to the Yading Nature Reserve, a protected wilderness area in the Tibetan Plateau known for its dramatic peaks and pristine landscapes.
The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 4,411 meters (14,472 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest commercial airports in the world. Its high altitude necessitates special aircraft performance considerations and limits the types of aircraft that can operate there safely.
Daocheng Yading Airport was constructed to boost tourism and regional connectivity in this remote part of western Sichuan. Flights primarily connect to major Chinese cities, allowing travelers to reach the otherwise difficult-to-access Yading scenic area with significantly reduced travel time compared to overland routes.
Terminals
The airport operates with a single passenger terminal building suited for the region's tourism-driven traffic volume.
Getting to & from
Ground transport from the airport to Daocheng town and the Yading Nature Reserve is primarily available via bus and private vehicle transfers, with the reserve located roughly 80 kilometers from the airport.
Airlines here
Sichuan Airlines and other Chinese carriers including Air China have operated routes connecting Daocheng Yading to Chengdu, Chongqing, and other Chinese cities.
Notable facts
- ›Elevation of approximately 4,411 meters (14,472 feet) makes it one of the highest commercial airports in the world.
- ›Opened in September 2013 after years of construction in a challenging high-altitude environment.
- ›Located on the Tibetan Plateau in Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
- ›Primarily serves tourists accessing the Yading Nature Reserve, known for its sacred Tibetan peaks.
- ›High altitude operations require aircraft with enhanced performance capabilities and restrict certain aircraft types.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
