Chinese build airport in Mount Everest region
By IANSMonday, April 12, 2010
LHASA - An airport under construction in a Tibetan region which is home to the Mount Everest is expected to be operational in October, an aviation official said.
Construction of the fifth civil airport, also called Peace Airport, in Xigaze prefecture began in April last year. It would be completed in September, making its opening in October feasible, Xinhua news agency quoted Xu Bo, director of the Civil Aviation Administration’s Tibet Branch, as saying.
With an investment of 489 million yuan ($71.7 million), the airport would be able to handle 230,000 passengers and 1,150 tonnes of cargos and allow 2,580 take-offs and landings annually by 2020.
It is believed the project will boost investment and tourism in Xigaze, the second largest city in Tibet.
Xigaze is home to a group of ancient temples and the world’s highest peak, Mount Qomolangma better known as Mount Everest, in Dingri county.
Tibet also plans to build the world’s highest airport at an altitude of 4,436 meters in Nagqu Prefecture.
