Top 5: Highest Commercial Airports Outside Of China in the World

All five of them are located in South America, with Bolivia dominating.

It is difficult to comprehend that some airports are situated at altitudes where small aircraft typically cruise. Such airports are essential for connecting some of the world's most distant regions, which would otherwise have to rely on other modes of transportation, primarily buses.

 However, a bus trip to some of these locations could often result in a multi-hour journey. A direct air link is more practical as a result.

Specific airport infrastructure is required for operation at such high elevations. The air does really become thinner as height rises. 

Thicker air produces less lift, necessitating much longer takeoff and landing runways for aircraft. Although most of these airports are to be found in China, other countries can boast about exceptionally high airports

•  El Alto International, La Paz, Bolivia

The primary airport servicing El Alto, a city in Bolivia, is El Alto International Airport (LPB), which is located in the La Paz district. At 4,061 m (13,323 ft) above sea level, it is the highest commercial airport outside of China.

After Viru-Viru International (VVI) in Santa Cruz, El Alto International is Bolivia's second busiest airport. The airport has two runways, with one measuring just over four kilometres (2.5 miles), making it one of the world's longest. Flightradar.24 reports that Viru-Viru, with 139 flights per week, is the busiest route out of this airport, followed by Cochabamba (CBB), with 73 flights, and Trinidad (TDD), with 16.

• Uyuni Airport, Bolivia

Again, Bolivia is home to the second-highest airport in the world which is not in China. The largest salt flat in the world, Salar de Uyuni, is not far from this airfield.

The runway at Uyuni Airport, which has a height of 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), is 4,000 metres long (13,123 feet). Those flying out of and landing at Uyuni Airport can enjoy breathtaking sights. A 11,000 square km expanse of dazzling white salt was left behind as the prehistoric lake known as the Uyuni Lake dried up and vanished. Flightradar.24 reports that Lnea Aérea Amaszonas and Boliviana de Aviación fly to this airport, with La Paz being the busiest route.

• Bolivia's Potos airport, Captain Nicolas Rojas

Again in Bolivia, the city of Potos in the country's southwest is served by the third-highest airport in the world outside of China.

The airport has one runway that is 2,833 metres long and is situated at an elevation of 3,936 metres (12913 feet). Four km northeast of Potos, in a valley, the airport was constructed.

• Inca Manco Cápac International Airport, Juliaca and Puno, Peru

The fourth-highest airport outside of China is now in Peru rather than Bolivia, which is once more in South America.

You might end yourself taking a plane to this airport if visiting Lake Titicaca is on your bucket list. The Inca Manco Cápac International Airport is near Juliaca, 30 minutes from Puno, and serves as a key entry point for travellers to the renowned lake. The airport has one runway that is 4,200 metres (13,779 feet) long and is located at an elevation of 3,826 metres (12,552 feet). Flightradar.24 reports that the airport only has 34 weekly frequencies from LATAM and Sky Airline to the nation's capital, Lima.

• Juan Mendoza Airport, Oruro, Bolivia

Bolivia once more is home to the fifth-largest airport in the world. The airport, which has a 3,999-meter runway and is situated at 3,702 metres (12,145 feet) above sea level, primarily serves the city of Oruro.

Boliviana de Aviación is the sole domestic airline serving this airport, and it only offers service to Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM

Your assistance enables us to produce high-quality, independent, open, and transparent media. No matter how little, every reader's contribution is vital for the future Thanks.

EU Plane Spotters brings you high-quality aviation videos and LIVE steam. visit our social media platforms Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & TikTok for more content.