Kashgar Airport (KHG)

Kashgar Laining International Airport (KHG), formerly known simply as Kashgar Airport, is a premier aviation hub in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. As of early 2026, the airport has solidified its role as a critical node on the 'Air Silk Road,' following the completion of the state-of-the-art Terminal 3 (T3) in late 2021. This modern 33,000-square-meter facility is designed to handle over 5 million passengers annually, acting as a strategic gateway connecting western China with major domestic hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as international destinations in Pakistan and Central Asia. The terminal's layout is organized across three primary levels to ensure efficient passenger processing and comfort. The ground floor (Level 1) serves as the primary arrivals and baggage reclaim hub, featuring modernized customs and immigration checkpoints for international flights. The second floor (Level 2) is the main departures zone, housing over 20 check-in counters and a streamlined security screening area. This level also features multiple aerobridges that allow for direct boarding of both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. A standout feature of the new terminal is the integrated 'Business Work Zones,' which provide dedicated tables and charging points for electronic devices throughout the departure halls. Amenities within the Kashgar terminal reflect the region's rich cultural heritage and modern travel needs. The food court emphasizes authentic Uyghur cuisine, offering a variety of halal-friendly dishes such as hand-pulled noodles, kebabs, and local flatbreads. Retail outlets provide a wide selection of local Xinjiang products, including world-famous dried fruits, nuts, and hand-woven silk. The facility provides free high-speed Wi-Fi, clean public restrooms, and specialized prayer rooms for all visitors. Security at the airport is exceptionally thorough, with multiple layers of screening and identity verification, ensuring a high standard of safety for regional flight operations. Ground transportation at KHG is well-coordinated with the local urban infrastructure, located approximately 10 kilometers north of the Kashgar city center. An affordable public bus system (Line 2) connects the terminal directly to the city's main districts for a nominal fare. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are readily available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall, with a typical journey time of approximately 15 to 20 minutes to downtown hotels. For those arriving by private vehicle, a large outdoor parking lot is situated directly in front of the terminal building. Travelers are generally advised to arrive at least three hours before their flight to account for the multi-layered security protocols typical of this major Xinjiang hub.