LHASA, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Tibet plans to build three new airports to promote tourism and economic growth.

The airports will be in Shannan, Xigaze and Ali, according the regional government and the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Construction of the three airports, all above the altitude of 3,900 meters, should begin in 2019.

Capital Airport Holding Company will be responsible for the construction of the airport in Shannan, Shanghai Airport Authority responsible for the airport in Xigaze and West Airport Group responsible for Ali.

The three companies are scheduled to transfer the airports to local operators after one or two years' operation.

Currently, Tibet has five civil airports in Lhasa, Qamdo, Nyingchi, Ali and Xigaze, with nine airlines operating 86 routes, including an international one.