Photo: CFP

The construction of multiple airports in Northwest China's Xinjiang region resumed operation recently, with seven airport projects in line to be put into operation throughout 2023.

By the end of 2023, the number of airports in Xinjiang region will reach 27 with the completion of Qitai Airport and Bayanbulak Airport, according to a CNR report.

By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the number of airports in Xinjiang region will reach 33, and the density of airports in Xinjiang region will reach two airports in every 100,000 square kilometers. 

In 2023, seven branch airport construction projects will start, according to Xinjiang Airport Group, among which include the expansion project of Kashi Airport and the new airport project of Bugur (Luntai).

So far, the expansion project of Kashi Airport and the construction of the new project of Qitai Airport have started. Due to the regional temperature, the construction of Bayanbulak Airport and Barkol Airport is expected to resume at the end of March. 

The new construction project of f Bugur (Luntai) Airport and the reconstruction and expansion projects of Karamay and Nalati Airport are at the stage of feasibility report approval. It is expected that the preliminary work will be completed and the construction will start in the second half of the year.

The logistics resources of airports in Xinjiang region will be further integrated to promote the construction of aviation logistics parks, and the Xinjiang Airport group will expand domestic and international cargo routes and develop chartered cargo flight services and international air logistics services in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and other regions, the Xinhua News Agency reported, citing Xinjiang Airport Group.

At least four international passenger air routes will be opened or resumed, and over two domestic and foreign airlines will be introduced to operate scheduled flights this year. In addition, about 18 air routes within Xinjiang and between cities in Xinjiang region and other provinces will be opened, the Xinhua report said. 

Global Times