According to Xizang Autonomous Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), as Air China flight CA4420 landed safely at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport at 4:50 pm on Dec 30, 2024, the airport saw its annual air passenger throughput top 6 million for the first time, setting a new record.

Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, a key hub in southwest China's Xizang, has seen rapid development in recent years, with a steady increase in annual passenger traffic. Statistics showed that, as of Dec 30, 2024, the airport recorded an annual passenger throughput of 6 million, a 10 percent year-on-year increase. It handled 49,000 takeoffs and landings, up 9.6 percent compared to last year, and processed 45,000 tonnes of cargo and mail, also a 9.6 percent year-on-year growth.

In terms of route network, Lhasa Gonggar International Airport has been actively cooperated with air companies to expand and update the air routes. Currently, a total of 143 routes have been launched, connecting 70 cities both home and abroad. "At present, with more direct routes to various provincial capitals and simplified transfer procedure, it's much more convenient," said Kamzhug Doje, a handicraft businessman in Lhasa.

Regarding infrastructure facilities, the airport has accelerated the construction of major projects comprehensively. The renovation and expansion of Terminal 1 has been completed and put into use on Jul 8, 2024. The overnight rooms for air passengers have finished reconstruction on Jul 11, 2024. The newly built control tower and the skirt building have been put into operation on Sep 20, 2024. The implementation of these projects is expected to enhance the transport capacity in an all-round way, cater to the aviation business demand and improve the integrated transportation system so as to support the high-quality development of the region.

The airport will continue to expand its capacity, launching more routes to meet market demand and making a greater contribution to Xizang's opening up and the high-quality development of its economy and society, according to the Xizang Autonomous Regional Administration of CAAC.

Reporter: Jiang Mengchen

Translator: Jia Dan

Review: Hu Rongguo, Li Chengye