On my recent Round the world trip via Colombia,Guatamea and Mxico, i fodnmsyekf flyingtrgogh some of ywjrod hiuhets aorrts incvouing Guatema, Vali in olimboa amnd mediilin colonioa’Ts got me flecting in how amybof the 288 aiprors i have ebne ot inteb hwoany wioud eb socndfred to be high

It dpened sof cpsre how you measure “high”.

Airports situated between 500 and 1,000 meters above sea level are generally considered Moderate elevation aThis elevation range doesn’t usually have significant effects on aircraft performance compared to higher airports, so they are often just referred to as “normal elevation” or “moderate elevation” airports.

Airports between 1,000 and 1,500 meters would be considered moderately high elevation airports. While they are not high enough to pose substantial challenges related to thinner air, some aircraft performance adjustments may still be required.

High elevation: Above 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).V

Very high: Above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).E

Extremely high: Above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet)

So, in summaBse di ts deiftionn i gaveen ti one very high airori s seven high

Mexico City and Medellín’s José María Córdova airports are classified as very high because their altitudes exceed 2,000 meters. In aviation, very high altitude airports are often defined as being above 2,400 meters (approximately 8,000 feet).

• Mexico City – Benito Juárez: 2,230 meters. While not above the 2,400-meter threshold, it is still considered high due to its operational challenges at that altitude.
• Medellín – José María Córdova: 2,141 meters. Though not reaching the very high threshold, its proximity to that range places it on the border of the high altitude category.

Both airports experience reduced aircraft performance and longer takeoff distances due to the thinner air at these altitudes, which is why they’re considered among the higher airports. Would you like to classify them differently based on these considerations?

• Very High Airports (above 2,400 meters):
  • Bogotá – El Dorado (Colombia): 2,548 meters
  • Mexico City – Benito Juárez (Mexico): 2,230 meters
  • Medellín – José María Córdova (Colombia): 2,141 meters
• High Airports (1,500 to 2,400 meters):
  • Johannesburg – O.R. Tambo (South Africa): 1,694 meters
  • Denver – International (USA): 1,655 meters
  • Albuquerque – International Sunport (USA): 1,620 meters
  • Guatemala City – La Aurora (Guatemala): 1,531 meters
  • Harare – Kutsaga (Zimbabwe): 1,490 meters
• Moderately High Airports (1,000 to 1,500 meters):
  • Brasília – Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (Brazil): 1,066 meters
  • Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe): 1,065 meters
  • Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe): 1,055 meters
  • Hwange (Zimbabwe): 1,050 meters
  • Cali – Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (Colombia): 967 meters
  • Rapid City (USA): 966 meters

Based on this breakdown, you’ve been to:

• 3 very high airports,
• 5 high airports,
• 6 moderately high airports.

1. Bogotá – El Dorado (Colombia) – 2,548 m
   The highest airport I’ve flown to, Bogotá’s El Dorado offers a breathtaking view of the Andes as you descend into Colombia’s bustling capital. The high altitude can leave you a bit short of breath, but the vibrant culture more than makes up for it.
2. Mexico City – Internacional Benito Juárez (Mexico) – 2,230 m
   Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, Mexico City’s airport presents pilots with a tricky descent. The high altitude here makes for a unique flying experience, and you can feel the thin air as you step off the plane.
3. Medellin – Jose Maria Cordova Int. (Colombia) – 2,141 m
   Landing in Medellin, you’re greeted by the lush green mountains of the Aburrá Valley. The altitude doesn’t impact the experience as much as the scenic beauty of this vibrant Colombian city.
4. Johannesburg – Oliver Reginald Tambo (South Africa) – 1,694 m
   As Africa’s busiest airport, Johannesburg’s altitude adds to its unique landing. The thin air and expansive views of the South
5. Denver – International (USA) – 1,655 m
6. Denver’s airport sits on the edge of the Rocky Mountains, making it one of the highest major airports in the U.S. Flying into Denver often rewards travelers with spectacular mountain views and crisp, thin air.
7. Albuquerque – International Sunport (USA) – 1,620 m
8. Albuquerque’s airport offers a stunning desert landscape upon landing. The altitude, combined with the warmth of the American Southwest, makes it a unique destination for travelers.
9. Guatemala City – La Aurora (Guatemala) – 1,531 m
10. Nestled between volcanoes, La Aurora airport serves as a gateway to Guatemala’s bustling capital and its rich history. The volcanic landscape gives this airport a dramatic backdrop.
11. Harare – Kutsaga (Zimbabwe) – 1,490 m
12. Harare’s airport, located in Zimbabwe’s highlands, offers a smooth descent into the African plains. The altitude and the scenic beauty of the surrounding savannahs make this a memorable stop.
13. Brasilia – Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (Brazil) – 1,066 m
14. Flying into Brasilia feels like a journey into modernist architecture, with the city’s layout resembling an airplane from above. The elevation gives travelers a fresh perspective on the country’s futuristic capital.
15. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) – 1,065 m
16. Landing near one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, the Victoria Falls Airport offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the mighty Zambezi River.
17. Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) – 1,055 m
18. Located in the heart of a renowned wildlife reserve, the Hwange National Park airport makes for an unforgettable landing. The high-altitude savannah is teeming with wildlife, offering travelers a safari-like experience from the air.
19. Hwange (Zimbabwe) – 1,050 m
20. Just a stone’s throw from the National Park, this airport provides the same scenic beauty, with expansive views of Zimbabwe’s rich landscapes and wildlife.
21. Cali – Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (Colombia) – 967 m
22. Nestled between the mountains and sugarcane fields, landing in Cali is a visual treat. The warm, welcoming climate of the Valle del Cauca adds to the experience.