El Alto Int'l airport (LPB)
El Alto International Airport (IATA: LPB, ICAO: SLLP) serves as a crucial aviation hub in Bolivia. Situated in the city of El Alto, adjacent to the administrative capital La Paz, the airport is perched at an incredibly high altitude of 4,061 meters (13,323 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest international airports in the world. This unique elevation presents specific challenges for aircraft performance and pilots, requiring specially designed operational procedures.
Inaugurated in the mid-20th century, El Alto International has undergone several upgrades to accommodate increasing air traffic and the demands of modern aviation. It plays a significant role not only in Bolivian connectivity but also as a gateway for international visitors.
El Alto International Airport primarily functions as a public international airport, facilitating both domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to a variety of destinations within South America, as well as select international routes. Major airlines operating here include Boliviana de Aviación, LATAM Airlines, and Avianca, among others.
Handling more than a million passengers annually, the airport maintains a steady flow of traffic, with thousands of flights operating each year. The single-runway airport is equipped with modern amenities to ensure passenger comfort and efficient operations.
As Bolivia's second-busiest airport, following Viru Viru International in Santa Cruz, El Alto International remains a vital infrastructure asset, promoting tourism and economic activities in the region. Its strategic location near La Paz enhances its importance as a central hub for travel in the Andean highlands.