⚠️ Reference & Statistical Notice: Data presented on RunwayFacts is compiled from public domain aviation registries for technical comparison and research. Not for flight planning or real-time operational aviation use.
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Data source: OurAirports (2026-09-01 Snapshot) · Methodology & Verification →

Xining Caojiabao International Airport

Haidong (Huzhu Tu Autonomous County), Qinghai Province (China)
IATA: XNN ICAO: ZLXN
Longest Active Runway
12,467 ft
3,800 meters
Field Elevation
7,119 ft
2,170 m MSL
Runway Inventory
1 active
Lighted / Paved
Coordinates & Class
36.5277°, 102.0402°
LARGE AIRPORT
🏆

Multi-Universe Rankings & Statistical Standing

Ranking Universes Guide →
RunwayFacts Published Dataset
#114 of 650
In curated primary commercial index
Global Commercial Universe
#190 of 7558
Top 2.8% percentile worldwide
National Standing (China)
#9 in CN
#20 of 264 in full national registry
vs Large Airport Median
+24.7%
Compared to 10,000 ft baseline
💡 Statistical Statement: Xining Caojiabao International Airport's longest active runway measures 12,467 ft (3,800 m). Within RunwayFacts' published index of 650 aerodromes, it ranks #114. Across the broader global dataset of 7558 commercial facilities, it ranks #190 worldwide (Top 2.8%) and #9 nationally in China.

🔬 Operational & Aerodrome Engineering Comparative Analysis

Comparative aviation metrics evaluated against regional and global physical operational criteria.
ICAO Code 4E / 4F Super-Heavy
⛰️

Elevation & Atmospheric Density

High-Altitude Aerodrome (Hot & High)

At an elevation of 7,119 ft (2,170 m MSL), this aerodrome operates under severe 'hot and high' atmospheric density penalties. Standard atmospheric air density decreases significantly at this altitude, reducing aerodynamic lift over the wing surfaces and engine thrust output. As a direct operational result, departing commercial airliners require substantially extended ground takeoff rolls and experience reduced initial climb gradients compared to sea-level operations, frequently imposing Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) payload restrictions on ultra-long-haul transcontinental stages.

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Regional Density & Alternates (100 NM)

1 Qualifying Aerodrome in Vicinity

Within its 100 NM cluster of 1 neighboring aerodromes, Xining Caojiabao International Airport is supported by major regional alternatives. Notably, Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) lies just 76.2 NM away with a 13,123 ft runway, offering reliable operational redundancy for commercial diversions and congested airspace rerouting.

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Fleet Compatibility & Ground Roll

Primary Runway: 12,467 ft (3,800 m)

With its longest runway exceeding 10,500 ft (3,800 m) and paved surface engineering, Xining Caojiabao International Airport meets the operational runway criteria for unrestricted long-haul operations by Code 4E and 4F heavy widebody aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800, Boeing 747-8, Airbus A350-1000, and Boeing 777-300ER at high operational weights.

🛫 Physical Runway Inventory & Surface Engineering

Runway Designator Length (ft / m) Width (ft / m) Surface Material Lighting Status
11/29 12,467 ft (3800m) 148 ft (45m) Asphalt (ASP) ✅ Lighted ✅ Active

🧭 Comparative Aerodromes (100 NM Radius, ≥5,000 ft Paved)

Great-circle Haversine spatial proximity matching for commercial facilities with paved runway capacity within 100 NM.

Aerodrome Name IATA Distance Longest Runway Lighting
Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (Lanzhou (Yongdeng)) LHW 76.2 NM (141.1 km) 13,123 ft ✅ Lighted

🛡️ Data Provenance & Verification Metadata

Source Dataset: OurAirports Open Aviation Database
Snapshot Version: 2026-09-01
Dataset Integrity: Cryptographic SHA-256 Checksum Verified & Fail-Closed Schema Inspected
Source Verification: Source-reported registry data
Read Complete Methodology & Verification Protocol → GET /api/airport/xnn.json ↗