โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY) was the oldest airport in China, serving as a secondary hub for the capital city until its official closure to commercial traffic in September 2019. The terminal was a functional and historic facility that primarily handled domestic flights operated by China United Airlines. it played a critical role in Beijing's aviation history, serving as a base for military and government aviation for over a century.
Inside the terminal, passengers experienced a more compact and traditional airport environment compared to the massive Beijing Capital International Airport. Facilities included standard check-in counters, basic waiting lounges, and a selection of retail and dining options offering local Chinese snacks and refreshments. The airport was known for its efficiency and shorter processing times for domestic travelers, making it a popular choice for those looking to avoid the congestion of the city's larger international hubs.
Following its closure, all commercial operations were transferred to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). The Nanyuan site remains a significant historical landmark and continues to serve as a military airbase. Ground transportation to the city center was readily available via airport shuttle buses and local taxis, providing convenient access to the southern districts of Beijing. It remains an essential part of China's aviation heritage, marking the transition from early air travel to the modern era of massive international hubs.
๐ Connection Tips
As this airport is closed to commercial traffic, all passengers should now use Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) or Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) for travel to and from the capital.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Altay Xuedu Airport (AAT), situated in Altay City within China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, serves as a modern and crucial regional air hub. This airport primarily facilitates domestic travel, connecting the scenic northern Xinjiang region with major Chinese cities. The single passenger terminal, spanning 12,375 square meters, boasts a contemporary design with efficient passenger flow in mind. It is equipped with four jet bridges, allowing for comfortable boarding and deplaning for aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 737-800.
The terminal's layout is intuitively structured over two floors. The ground floor is dedicated to arrivals, check-in, and baggage claim, providing essential services such as check-in counters, baggage processing facilities, and various airline offices. The first floor serves as the primary departure zone, featuring comfortable waiting areas and direct access to the boarding gates. Throughout the terminal, clear signage in both Chinese and English aids navigation, ensuring a smooth experience for both domestic and international visitors.
AAT offers a range of passenger amenities designed for comfort and convenience. These include several cafes and shops where travelers can purchase souvenirs, local products, and travel essentials. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, a VIP Lounge is available. The airport's operational efficiency is supported by modern security screening, making pre-flight formalities swift, even during peak travel periods, largely driven by the region's growing ice and snow tourism.
๐ Connection Tips
Altay Xuedu Airport primarily functions as a domestic connector within China, with an extensive network of 24 domestic flight routes. Major airlines such as China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Air China operate from AAT, linking Altay to key cities like Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xi'an. While there are no direct international flights from AAT, travelers seeking international connections would typically route through larger Chinese hubs like Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) or directly from one of the major national hubs mentioned.\n\nWhen planning connections at AAT, especially for domestic flights, the single-terminal layout and efficient operations mean relatively short transfer times. However, it is still advisable to allow 2-3 hours for domestic connections to account for check-in formalities, security screening, and any potential delays, particularly during the busy summer and winter tourist seasons when the airport experiences higher passenger volumes.\n\nFor onward travel from Altay Airport to the city or local tourist attractions, various ground transport options are available. Taxis are readily accessible outside the terminal. For those planning to explore more remote areas, such as the border regions, it's crucial to plan routes in advance and be aware of public transport schedules or consider hiring a private vehicle. During the summer, the airport plans to expand connections to cities like Wuhan, Chengdu, and Harbin, further enhancing its role as a regional gateway.
โ Back to Beijing Nanyuan Airport