Xizang's annual air passengers top 8 million for first time

Xizang's civil aviation sector saw steady growth in 2025, with annual passenger throughput exceeding eight million for the first time, regional aviation authorities said, according to Xizang Daily.

A total of 71,000 flights were handled during the year, while passenger numbers reached 8.06 million and cargo and mail volumes rose to 56,000 tons. These figures marked year-on-year increases of 6.9 percent, 6 percent, and 8 percent, respectively.

Passenger traffic increased by about one million compared with 2024.

The growth has been supported by an expanding route network centered on Lhasa Gonggar International Airport, and supported by seven feeder airports across the region. New routes were launched linking Lhasa with Chengdu in Sichuan province and Guangzhou in Guangdong province, along with connections from Ngari prefecture and Lhokha to Chengdu.

Popular routes like those linking Fujian, Chongqing, and Lhasa were also resumed, while flight frequencies to hub cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xi'an were increased.

Xizang is now connected to 84 domestic and international cities through 204 air routes operated by 12 airlines, it reported.

Authorities said improved connectivity has helped strengthen links between Xizang and other parts of the country while making travel more accessible for residents in the region's remote areas.

Paperless check-in systems, facial recognition boarding, and AI-assisted image screening technology have upgraded services at Lhasa's Terminal 3.

Other convenience measures, including multilingual translation devices, priority security services, and new cabin options, have also been rolled out.