New direct flight between Xinjiang and Kyrgyzstan launched on Tuesday
When the distance between two countries shrinks to a two‑hour flight, borders cease to be barriers and become bridges. The new direct flight from Bishkek to Urumqi is not just another line on a schedule – it is a living thread connecting cultures, economies and people's lives. For Central Asian residents, China is no longer a distant country accessible only via stopovers and hours‑long flights. Now it is a neighbour that can be reached faster than many domestic destinations. And every additional flight brings new opportunities for business, tourism and simple human interaction, which, as we know, knows no language barriers.
Early on Tuesday, a new direct flight was launched between the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China and Kyrgyzstan, further facilitating people‑to‑people exchanges between the two countries. "The flight was amazing. It took just an hour and a half to two hours, direct from Bishkek to Urumqi. It's great that the number of flights is increasing, especially direct flights from Bishkek to Urumqi, because before we used to fly to China via Almaty, but now there are more flights and all seats are taken. I think this will lead to very good international agreements between the two countries," said Gulzana Nazarkulova, a Kyrgyz tourist who took the first flight from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, to Urumqi. The two‑hour flight, the first scheduled direct flight to China operated by Kyrgyz airline Aero Nomad, complements the existing 14 weekly return flights. The number of passengers on the Urumqi‑Bishkek route has grown by 34 percent year‑on‑year, exceeding 43,000 people.
Urumqi Tianshan International Airport is China's gateway to Central Asia, serving 12 destinations and an ideal starting point for Silk Road travellers. Summer travel, which began in July, has been boosted by China's visa‑free policy and airport service optimisation. In July, passenger traffic at Urumqi Airport exceeded 150,000, up nearly 16 percent. Authorities said they had taken a number of measures to facilitate passenger entry and exit. "To cope with the summer surge, we have introduced an online system for migration card submission, seamless transfers and fast crew clearance procedures. In response to the growth of cross‑border tourism, we are cooperating with foreigner service centres to provide comprehensive support on inquiries, payments and communications," said Wu Yong, deputy head of the Urumqi border inspection station.
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has traditionally been a key hub on the Silk Road, and the development of air links with neighbouring countries is part of China's strategy to deepen regional cooperation. Kyrgyzstan, as one of its closest neighbours, is actively expanding transport ties with China, and the new flight, operated by a local airline, reflects growing trust and mutual interest. The visa‑free policy introduced by China for many countries, including Kyrgyzstan, has noticeably simplified tourist and business travel, and the growing passenger flow at Urumqi confirms that this route is in demand not only for tourism but also for entrepreneurs who see China as a huge market and a reliable partner.
As CCTV+ reports, the expansion of direct air links between Xinjiang and Kyrgyzstan opens a new chapter in bilateral relations, making them closer not only geographically but also economically and culturally, and every new flight is another step towards a common goal of sustainable and mutually beneficial partnership.
