Nyingchi Mainling Airport (LZY)
Nyingchi (Mainling), CN 🇨🇳 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
ZUNZ
IATA
LZY
Elevation
9675 ft
Region
CN-54
Local Time
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GPS Code: ZUNZ
Local Code: Not available
Location: 29.303301° N, 94.335297° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Medium Airport
Keywords: Linzhi Kang Ko
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Nyingchi Mainling Airport (LZY) generally receives positive feedback, primarily lauded for its strategic location as a lower-altitude gateway to Tibet, which significantly aids in acclimatization for travelers. The airport is appreciated for its modern terminal facilities and relatively efficient processing, contributing to an overall satisfactory experience for most passengers.
What Travelers Love
- Lower Altitude Entry Point: At 2,949 meters (9,675 feet), it is the lowest airport in Tibet, offering a gentler transition to the high-altitude environment and helping mitigate altitude sickness concerns. This makes it a popular choice for tourists seeking to acclimatize before traveling to higher-elevation areas like Lhasa.
- Stunning Scenic Views: The airport is nestled in the picturesque Yarlung Tsangpo River valley, surrounded by mountains, providing breathtaking views during approach and departure. The region itself is praised for its natural beauty, often referred to as "the Switzerland in Eastern Tibet".
- Modern Terminal Facilities: The airport features a new two-story terminal building with 11 check-in counters and 4 security checkpoints, designed to handle a significant passenger flow. Traveler satisfaction for Terminal facilities is rated at 77%.
- Efficient Security and Immigration: Travelers generally experience good processing times, with security checks rated 100% satisfactory and current passport control wait times estimated at around 8 minutes.
- Convenient Transportation to Bayi Town: Shuttle buses and taxis are available for the approximately 45-minute drive to Bayi Town, Nyingchi's city center, offering scenic views along the way.
Common Complaints
- Challenging Operational Conditions: Nyingchi Mainling Airport is renowned as one of the world's most difficult airports for aircraft to reach due to its location in a winding valley and frequent cloud and fog, limiting suitable landing days to approximately 100 per year. This can lead to flight delays or cancellations.
- Limited Direct International Flights: The airport primarily serves domestic cities within mainland China, with direct flights mainly from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Beijing, Qingdao, and Shenzhen.
- Infrequent Shuttle Bus Schedule: While available, shuttle buses from Bayi Town to the airport have limited departure times (e.g., 07:30 and 07:50) and from the airport only depart when full, which may be inconvenient for some travelers.
- Average WiFi, Food, and Retail Services: Traveler satisfaction for WiFi is 68%, and Food and retail services and Lounge facilities are rated 72%, suggesting room for improvement in these areas.
Nyingchi Mainling Airport serves as an invaluable entry point for exploring Tibet, particularly for those concerned about altitude sickness. While its challenging geography can lead to operational limitations, its modern facilities and efficient processing generally ensure a pleasant experience, making it a highly recommended starting point for a Tibetan adventure.
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Airport Routes
Nyingchi Mainling Airport (LZY) offers 15 flight routes operated by 5 airlines. Major carriers include Sichuan Airlines, Tibet Airlines, Air China and others. Popular destinations from Nyingchi (Mainling) include Chengdu Shuangliu Int'l, Chongqing Jiangbei Int'l, Chengdu Tianfu Int'l, Xi'an Xianyang Int'l and Beijing Capital Int'l.
Route Network Map
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Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
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Top Airlines
Operating at Nyingchi Mainling AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sichuan Airlines
CSC
/ 3U
|
4 | 78 | 4 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Tibet Airlines
TBA
/ TV
|
5 | 67 | 5 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Air China
CCA
/ CA
|
3 | 53 | 3 | Jan 31, 2026 |
China Southern Airlines
CSN
/ CZ
|
2 | 12 | 2 | Jan 18, 2026 |
West Air
CHB
/ PN
|
1 | 10 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
05/23 |
9843 ft | - ft | UNK | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. The journey to Nyingchi's main urban area, Bayi Town, takes about 50-60 minutes. Fares are often negotiated, so it is advisable to agree on a price (typically around 150-200 CNY) before starting the trip.
Rental Cars
Standard self-drive car rental is generally not an option for foreign tourists due to regional travel regulations. Transportation is typically pre-arranged through a tour operator, which includes a private vehicle with a licensed driver and guide.
Public Transportation
An official airport shuttle bus runs between the airport and Bayi Town. The schedule is aligned with flight arrivals and departures. This is the most economical option, with a fare of approximately 25 CNY. The bus journey takes just over an hour.