China to open 4th civilian airport in Tibet
Zeenews Bureau
Beijing: China is mulling operationalising its fourth civilian airport in Tibet in Ngari Prefecture, close to India, in 2010, a report said on Thursday.
The move is a step ahead in China's efforts to boost infrastructure facilities in the strategic Himalayan region.
The Gunsa Airport in southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region is expected to start operation on July 1, 2010, to become the fourth civil airport on the "Roof of the World", local officials said.
The parking apron, its 4,500-metre-long runway as well as meteorological radars have been completed, said Hu Jinfa, head of the airport project headquarters.
The airport, more than 4,000 meters above sea level, will have an annual throughput capacity of 120,000 passengers by 2020. Test flights were conducted successfully from October 13 to 18, Hu said.
Construction began in May 2007 and is expected to cost CNY 1.647 billion (USD 241.22 million), Xinhua news agency reported from Lhasa, the regional capital.