Top Airlines to Tibet in China

Flying is the easiest way to reach this high-altitude wonderland. Not all airlines handle high-altitude routes the same, though. Here's the lowdown on the best carriers to get you to Tibet smoothly, plus a little help for your booking at the end!

Tibet Airlines

IATA Code: TV

ICAO Code: TBA

Alliance Membership: No global alliance

Tibet Airlines is China's first airline built just for high-altitude travel—they've been flying to Tibet since 2011, so they know the ropes. Almost half their flights focus on Tibet's "high-plateau routes" (think airports over 3,000 meters!), with around 100 daily flights to the region. That means they're super reliable for tricky weather like sudden thunderstorms.

They fly from hubs like Lhasa, Chengdu, Xi'an, and Chongqing to big cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) and key Tibet spots: Nyingchi, Qamdo, and Ngari. On board, you'll get Tibetan treats like sweet tea and green pepper chicken—small touches that make the flight feel special.

Sichuan Airlines

IATA Code: 3U

ICAO Code: CSC

Alliance Membership: No global alliance

If you're coming from southwest China (or flying into Chengdu first—many international flights land there!), Sichuan Airlines is a top pick. They're one of the biggest carriers for Tibet routes, with tons of flights in 2025's summer season. They also use planes built for high altitudes and have crew trained to help with mild altitude sickness—handy for first-timers!

Air China

IATA Code: CA

ICAO Code: CCA

Alliance Membership: Star Alliance

As China's national flag carrier, Air China is great if you're connecting from international flights (Beijing is their main hub—easy to fly into from London, New York, or Tokyo). Being part of Star Alliance means you can use miles from airlines like United or Lufthansa to book, and enjoy perks like airport lounges. They fly daily to Lhasa from Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, plus cover Shigatse (close to Everest Base Camp).

China Eastern Airlines

IATA Code: MU

ICAO Code: CES

Alliance Membership: SkyTeam

For travelers starting in east China (especially Shanghai), China Eastern is your go-to. They're part of SkyTeam, so miles work with Delta or KLM—perfect if you're combining a Tibet trip with other Asian stops. Xi'an is also a great stopover for seeing the Terracotta Army before heading to Tibet!

China Southern Airlines

IATA Code: CZ

ICAO Code: CSN

Alliance Membership: SkyTeam

China Southern has the most planes and routes in China—great if you're coming from Guangzhou (a major hub for flights from Southeast Asia, Australia, or the Middle East). They accept international payment cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB) and have multilingual apps/websites. They fly to Lhasa from Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Xi'an.

Shenzhen Airlines

IATA Code: ZH

ICAO Code: CSZ

Alliance Membership: Star Alliance

Shenzhen Airlines is a hidden gem, especially if you're flying into Shenzhen (a tech hub close to Hong Kong). As part of Star Alliance, you can share miles with Air China or Singapore Airlines—super handy for frequent flyers. They also offer family-friendly services—like extra space for baby gear—and help with luggage transfers if you're connecting through Chengdu.

Conclusion

As a thank you for entrusting us with your Tibet adventure, we are delighted to include a convenient flight booking service with your tour package. We are deeply honored by your choice and look forward to crafting a perfect, seamless travel experience for you.