Chengdu Airlines Launches Flights between Kashgar and Khunjerab Airport to Boost Regional Connectivity

• SilkRoad: Chengdu Airlines Launches Flights between Kashgar and Khunjerab Airport to Boost Connectivity between Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan
• Flight operations between Kashgar airport and Khunjerab Airport is a milestone Air Silk Road connectivity initiative
• Kashgar was an old Silk Road city, famous for marvelous culture, arts and architecture.
• It will enhance trade and commerce links between central Asia and South Asia as cooperation under the Belt and Road expands in new era.

By: Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia

Urumqi: Chengdu Airlines has launched three flights per week between Kashgar, an old Silk Road city, and Tashkurgan’s Khunjerab Airport, boosting connectivity between neighboring Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and the region of Kashmir.

The launch of flight operations between Kashgar airport and Khunjerab Airport is a milestone initiative that will enhance trade and commerce links between central Asia and South Asia as cooperation under the Belt and Road expands in new era.

On July 2, 2024, the Chinese domestically produced ARJ21, and operated by Chengdu Airlines commenced regional flight operations, connecting Kashgar Laining International Airport and Khunjerab Airport of Tashkurgan city located in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, according a statement of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC).

Based in southwest China’s Sichuan province, Chengdu Airlines has deployed the ARJ21 aircraft on this route due to its excellent performance.

Tashkurgan is a Tajik autonomous county, and also, a vital land port and logistic hub, located on the China-Pakistan border situated in the Pamirs region of south Xinjiang.

The Chengdu-based airline currently operates nine ARJ21s in Xinjiang for over 40 routes between 24 airports in the region, facilitating short trips, according to COMAC.

The flights on new route of Kashgar Laining International Airport and Khunjerab Airport will run three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The flight departing Kashgar at 9:25 a.m. arrives in Tashkurgan at 10:20 a.m., while the return flight leaves Tashkurgan at 11:00 a.m. and lands at noon.

Tashkurgan, located at the eastern edge of the Pamir Plateau, boasts a strategic location and diverse scenery. The city also shares borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kashmir. With an average altitude of more than 4,000 meters, it also features glaciers, grasslands, and a mix of climatic conditions, making it an emerging tourist destination.

Chengdu Airlines has established bases in cities like; Turpan, Yining, and Kashgar, deploying nine ARJ21 jets emblazoned with the distinctive “Sun Bird” logo across more than 40 routes, connecting 24 airports within Xinjiang. This extensive network fulfills the airline’s goal of high plateau operations and comprehensive coverage in central Asia.

The new “Border Express” network will provide safer and more convenient travel options for locals and visitors alike, which will enhance connectivity and support the socio-economic development of Xinjiang.