Dharamshala: Construction has started on a new Chinese airport called "Peace Airport". The airport is stationed on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest.
The stated purpose of the so called new airport is to create greater access to the Tibetan Plateau, home to some of the highest peaks in the world. However, with the name "Peace Airport", it could have a very different connotation to Tibetans.
Construction will take place on Shigatse, the Nepal-China highway. It will make travel to the Himalayan region very accessible for air passengers. The airport has hopes to inflate the tourist industry in the area.
One of the main attractions for visitors is the Tashilhunpo Monastary of the Chinese-selected Panchen Lama. Because the new airport will be located within the so-called "Tibet Autonomous Region", this airport will increase traffic from the rest of China into the "TAR". This is reflective of a growing trend of a Chinese presence in Tibet.
The airport will be completed in October of this year and is projected to cost around $71.7 million. It will be able to accommodate up to 230,000 passengers, 1,150 tonnes of cargo and 2,580 take-offs and landings every year until 2020.
