El Alto International Airport, International airport in El Alto, Bolivia.
El Alto International Airport is the main airport for the La Paz metropolitan area and has one terminal building with counters for national and cross-border connections. The runway extends across the high plateau and offers handling facilities for smaller and larger aircraft.
The airport began operations in June 1965 and initially served smaller regional connections. Nine years later, major expansions followed that enlarged the terminal and created new halls for international traffic.
The name comes from the surrounding city of El Alto, which sits above the capital and is known for its Aymara culture. Many staff and travelers in the halls wear the traditional woolen garments that protect against the altitude cold.
Travelers should walk slowly and drink enough water because of the thin air and high elevation. Warm clothing is advisable even inside the terminal, as the temperature in the halls remains cool.
This airport sits at 4,061 meters (13,323 feet) elevation and ranks among the highest international facilities worldwide. Pilots must apply special procedures during takeoff and landing because air density at this altitude is noticeably lower.
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