Kangding Airport

ZUKD / KGT

Garzê (Kangding), CN

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Kangding Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: ZUKD
IATA Code: KGT
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 14,042 ft MSL

Location

City: Garzê (Kangding)
Country: CN
Latitude: 30.142464°
Longitude: 101.738720°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-7

Runway Information

Runway 15/33
Length: 13,123 ft
Width: 172 ft
Surface: Concrete
ILS: No

About Kangding Airport

Overview

Kangding Airport serves the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan Province, China. Located at a high elevation of 14,042 feet mean sea level, this medium-sized airport provides critical transportation infrastructure in a challenging mountainous region. The airport supports regional connectivity for this remote area of the Tibetan plateau.

Flying Conditions

The extreme elevation of 14,042 feet presents significant performance challenges for aircraft operations, requiring careful performance calculations and consideration of density altitude effects. High-altitude environments typically feature rapidly changing weather conditions, with potential for sudden temperature shifts, wind variations, and potential visibility restrictions. Pilots should anticipate reduced aircraft performance and longer takeoff/landing distances compared to lower-elevation airports.

Notable Features

Kangding Airport's single runway (15/33) extends 13,123 feet in length, providing substantial runway real estate for high-altitude operations. The airport's geographic position in the mountainous Tibetan region means surrounding terrain will significantly influence local weather patterns and approach/departure procedures. Pilots must be prepared for complex terrain interactions and potential wind shear conditions typical of high-altitude mountain airports.

Approach Considerations

The single runway (15/33) allows for operations in two primary directions, with pilots selecting the most appropriate heading based on current wind conditions. Given the high elevation and mountainous surroundings, stabilized approaches and thorough pre-flight planning are critically important. Pilots should conduct detailed performance calculations specific to the airport's unique high-altitude environment before attempting any operations.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.