A new air route linking Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Fergana in eastern Uzbekistan, has been launched.
The new route is also China's first direct flight route to Uzbekistan's Fergana. The maiden flight carrying 112 passengers arrived at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport on Saturday morning.
The new route reduces travel time from Urumqi to Fergana to about just one hour from over six hours, offering passengers a convenient and efficient travel option.
Notably, the new route is also the first international flight route launched since the new terminal at the Urumqi Tianshan International Airport began trial operations on Thursday.
With the new terminal, the Urumqi airport will deliver higher-quality, more efficient air transport services and play a greater role in expanding high-level opening up and boosting regional economic and social development, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
With its expanded capacity and enhanced connectivity, the airport evolves from a regional gateway into a bridge linking China with central and western Asia.
"A total of 67 international flights were operated within the first two days following the trial operation of the north terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, with over 4,900 cross-border trips being made. Most of the passengers were traveling for business, tourism, or to attend the Canton Fair. In addition to travelers from main countries with direct air routes such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, there were also passengers who entered the airport via connecting flights from seven other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan," said Luo Minxuan, an official with Urumqi Exit-Entry Frontier Inspection Station.
New air route links China's Urumqi, Uzbekistan's Fergana
