La Paz Airport in Bolivia – A Destination Where Supplemental Oxygen is Needed at the Gate  

Maintaining Cabin Altitude

Imagine for just a moment an airport where flight crews are required to use supplemental oxygen upon arrival. A place where you may see the pilots of your flight on the flight deck wearing oxygen masks while parked at the gate with engines off. La Paz Airport in Bolivia is one such place. It’s considered a very high-altitude airport where you could easily pass out if you are not well acclimated to the thin air. Remember that most commercial airliners today are designed to maintain a comfortable internal cabin altitude of around 7000 feet. This is even though the aircraft is flying at 35,000 feet, for example.

The Benefits of an Artificially Maintained Cabin Altitude

So, while a commercial jetliner may be flying high in the stratosphere, the cabin is far more comfortable. This ensures adequate oxygen pressure for passengers and provides for overall comfort. Pilots on the flight deck and passengers enjoy the benefits of this artificially maintained cabin pressurization. However, upon arrival at a lofty airport like La Paz, passengers and crew alike are suddenly exposed to very thin air once the aircraft doors are opened at the gate.

Pilots Wear Oxygen Masks While Sitting at the Gate

The only safe solution for flight crews is requiring pilots on the flight deck to wear oxygen masks while sitting at the gate waiting to depart on an outbound leg. The masks can be safely removed once the aircraft has been repressurized shortly after takeoff. Note that each airline operator has unique procedures, but all likely adhere to this crucial safety protocol.

The World’s Highest-Altitude International Airport

La Paz El Alto International Airport, situated in Bolivia, is a central gateway to the country’s capital, La Paz. It is recognized as the world’s highest-altitude international airport. The unique location of this airfield and its technical specifications make it an aviation marvel. Deep within the Andes Mountain range, the airport’s height above sea level is a staggering 13,323 feet (4,061 meters), challenging both pilots and aircraft to adapt to this high-altitude environment.

The Interior of the Andean Plateau

The airport’s GPS coordinates are 16.5133° S latitude and 68.1926° W longitude. Its highly unconventional location inside the interior of the Andean plateau lends to genuinely stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Despite the high-altitude challenges, La Paz El Alto Airport has a pivotal role in connecting the country of Bolivia to the global air route system and, ultimately, the rest of the world.

Long-Haul International Wide-Body Flights

The airport features just a single asphalt runway for takeoffs and landings. Runway 10/28 stretches some 4,000 meters in length. This longer-than-average runway is well-equipped to handle a variety of commercial aircraft, including long-haul international wide-body flights. The airport terminal complex is modern, updated, and designed to accommodate an ever-growing influx of global travelers. With a host of typical airport amenities and services, the facility strives to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for travelers despite its very high altitude.

Requires Longer Runways

As mentioned above, there are obvious challenges posed by this airport’s extreme altitude. As such, El Alto International Airport has specific technical adaptations that ensure safe and efficient flight operations. Aircraft taking off from a high-altitude airport require a longer runway due to the reduced air density, which impacts lift. Higher takeoff speeds are needed to compensate for the thinner air at these higher altitudes.

Instrument Landing Systems

Pilots must increase takeoff, approach, and landing speed to account for the reduced air density. The airport is equipped with the standard navigational aids found at most airports today, such as Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) that assist pilots during low-visibility weather conditions. Other technological enhancements, such as auto-land-capable airport equipment, can accommodate Autoland-enabled aircraft. This enhances safety and allows for a smoother experience for passengers and flight crews.

The World’s Highest Capital City

Bolivia draws many visitors yearly with its unmistakably unique Bolivian culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant and friendly local atmosphere. Set high in the Andes, La Paz is the world’s highest capital city, offering a definitively rare experience for anyone seeking adventure and genuine cultural immersion.

A Geological Wonder

One of the city’s distinctive features is its breathtaking and majestically rugged mountain peaks. The dramatic mountainous terrain creates a perfect backdrop for exploration-minded individuals. The iconic “Valle de la Luna” (Valley of the Moon) is a geological wonder and only a short drive from the city, where eroded rock formations create what resembles a lunar landscape, making it a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and explorers.

Traditional Natural Remedies

La Paz is a melting pot of indigenous and colonial influences, evident by its vibrant street markets, ancient architecture, and traditional local festivals. The Witches’ Market, or Mercado de las Brujas, is an interesting and exciting delight where visitors explore a variety of family-run stalls filled with herbs, talismans, and traditional natural remedies, offering a glimpse into the city’s mystical and cultural foundations.

The Presidential Palace

The historic downtown, known as the “Casco Viejo,” offers a wealth of colonial architecture, including travelers’ favorites, the San Francisco Church and the Presidential Palace. The city has several museums, such as the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, that provide added insights into Bolivia’s rich history and diverse indigenous cultural importance.

Lake Titicaca

Going beyond La Paz, the rural outlying region offers further intrigue and adventure. For example, nearby is Lake Titicaca, the planet’s highest navigable lake. It calls upon you with its serene, untouched beauty and indigenous peoples living along its pristine shores. We strongly recommend visiting the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This highly regarded point of interest provides a glimpse into the pre-Columbian history of the Andean region.

A Vital Link Between Bolivia and The Rest of the World

Bolivia should be on the must-do list for all who wish to explore this amazing world. Ongoing advancements in modern aviation technology, coupled with the expertise and skills of the airport’s planning and management crews, contribute to El Alto International Airport’s reputation as a high-altitude hub that is a vital link between Bolivia and the rest of the world. Plan a visit to this special place in South America today.