Putao Airport — Putao, Myanmar

Putao Airport (PBU) sits in the far north of Myanmar's Kachin State, in a remote region near the foothills of the Himalayas. Putao town is the gateway to some of Southeast Asia's most rugged terrain, including trekking routes toward the snow-capped peaks bordering Tibet, making the airport essential since overland travel from the rest of Myanmar is difficult and time-consuming. PBU has a short runway and operates limited domestic flights, typically from Yangon or Myitkyina, serving trekkers, researchers, and local residents. Weather and visibility often affect operations given the mountainous surroundings. The airport is a critical lifeline for this isolated area, which otherwise has minimal road infrastructure connecting it to the rest of the country.