World’s highest airport begins construction under CPEC

• The airport, which will be built at the Pamir Plateau at an elevation of 4,500 meters, is part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China has begun the construction of what would be the world's highest airport on completion, at its northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

The airport, which will be built at the Pamir Plateau at an elevation of 4,500 meters, is part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

As per Chinese media outlet CGTN, the airport will cost about $230 million, the airport runway will be measuring 3,800 meters long and 45 meters wide, and will have a terminal of 3,000 square meters and an apron with four stands, among other facilities.

The airport will be able to accommodate 160,000 passengers and 400 tons of cargoes annually.

As per building authorities, the airport upon completion is expected to bring a lot more tourists into Pamirs Plateau, noted for its natural beauty and unique Tajik culture, however, it remains inaccessible due to rough terrain.

The airport construction is expected to complete by the first half of 2022.