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High-altitude gateway to the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai.
Opened
2009
Location
Yushu, China
Yushu Batang Airport (IATA: YUS, ICAO: ZLYS) is a high-elevation civil airport serving Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province, China. Situated on the Tibetan Plateau at an elevation of approximately 3,950 meters (12,959 feet) above sea level, it ranks among the highest commercial airports in the world.
The airport was constructed to improve connectivity for Yushu, a remote prefecture that gained international attention following a devastating earthquake in April 2010. It supports regional air services linking Yushu to major Chinese cities, facilitating both civilian travel and emergency logistics in this otherwise difficult-to-access region.
Due to its extreme altitude, thin air, and challenging meteorological conditions, operations at Yushu Batang Airport require specially certified aircraft and crews. The airport plays a vital role in the economic development and disaster response capabilities of the surrounding Tibetan communities.
Terminals
The airport operates a single passenger terminal serving domestic routes.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and Yushu city center is primarily served by taxis and shuttle buses covering the approximately 25-kilometer route.
Airlines here
Sichuan Airlines and China Eastern Airlines have operated routes to and from Yushu Batang Airport, connecting it to cities such as Chengdu and Xi'an.
Notable facts
- ›Elevation of approximately 3,950 meters (12,959 feet) makes it one of the highest commercial airports in the world.
- ›The airport was instrumental in relief and rescue operations following the April 2010 Yushu earthquake.
- ›Special aircraft performance requirements apply due to the high-altitude, low-density air environment.
- ›Located in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, a historically and culturally significant Tibetan region.
- ›The airport's name references the nearby Batang area within the Yushu prefecture.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
