The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region solidified its position as a critical node in global supply chains last year, with the Xinjiang Airport Group reporting a record 405,000 tonnes of cargo throughput – a 34.7% annual increase. Urumqi Tianshan International Airport handled 82% of this volume, processing 333,000 tonnes through its expanded facilities.
International freight operations drove the growth, with cargo flights surging 174% to 5,915 missions. Full-freighter volumes exceeded 120,000 tonnes, marking a 219.55% year-on-year increase. The region's strategic development as a national logistics hub enabled 18 new international routes connecting to 34 cities across 22 countries.
Cross-border e-commerce exports accounted for 66% of international cargo volume, moving 80,000 tonnes of goods worth 7 billion yuan (US$1 billion). This development positions Xinjiang as a vital bridge between the Chinese mainland and Eurasian markets, leveraging its geographic advantages along key Belt and Road Initiative corridors.
