Urumqi Air

Urumqi Air is not just an air carrier, but a true aerial gateway to one of the most vibrant regions of China. Based in the city of Urumqi, the company makes travel along the routes of the ancient Silk Road accessible and comfortable for every tourist. The airline skillfully combines the principles of budget travel with high safety standards, opening up unique destinations for travellers both within China and beyond.

History and Fleet Features
The airline was founded in 2014 as a subsidiary of the major conglomerate Hainan Airlines (HNA Group). This partnership allowed the young carrier to quickly implement advanced service and safety standards. The company's fleet is unified and consists of reliable Boeing 737-800 liners. The use of a single aircraft type allows engineers and pilots to know the machinery thoroughly, which positively impacts flight regularity and safety.

Flight Geography
Urumqi Air specializes in connecting the western regions of China with major economic and tourist centres. According to the current schedule, one of the most sought-after routes includes flights to tropical Haikou, where tourists fly for beach holidays. For those planning international travel, the carrier offers convenient flights to Bangkok.

The route network also actively covers important domestic destinations. Travellers can head to the modern metropolis of Shenzhen or visit the historically significant Mianyang. The airline ensures transport accessibility for smaller cities as well, such as Luzhou and Fuyang, allowing tourists to see the authentic, non-tourist China.

Mission and Service
The main goal of Urumqi Air is to promote the development of tourism and business ties in the Xinjiang region. As a low-cost carrier, the company offers competitive ticket prices, providing an opportunity to save on the travel budget. Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with baggage and onboard catering rules in advance, as these options may be provided for an additional fee in basic fares. At the same time, friendly staff and punctuality remain the airline's calling card.

If you have questions regarding ticket booking, schedule clarification, or baggage allowance rules, the Urumqi Air support service is always ready to help. You can contact airline representatives both by phone and through digital channels, though it is worth noting that the primary languages of service are Chinese and English.

Official Website
All current information, booking management, and online check-in are available on the air carrier's official portal: www.urumqi-air.com.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.urumqi-air.com
• 24/7 Customer Service (Hotline): +86 991 95334 (for international calls), 95334 (for calls within China)
• Ticket Booking and Changes: +86 991 95334
• Email: To send inquiries and complaints, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website or the address tousu@urumqi-air.com (Customer Service Department).
• Mobile App: The "Urumqi Air" application is available for download via QR code on the official website (oriented towards Chinese platforms).

Social Media
Since Urumqi Air is a Chinese carrier, their main activity is focused on local platforms. Nevertheless, company news can be tracked here:

• WeChat / Weibo: Official Urumqi Air accounts (most up-to-date information).
• Instagram / Facebook: Official international pages may be updated less frequently; it is recommended to rely on the website.

Local Offices
The main customer service centre is located at the company's base airport.

• Headquarters: Located at Diwopu International Airport, city of Urumqi, China.
• Airport Counters: Branded Urumqi Air check-in and sales counters are available in the departure terminals of served airports 2–3 hours before the flight.

Emergency Support
The hotline +86 991 95334 operates around the clock (24/7), providing assistance to passengers in emergency situations, such as flight delays or cancellations.

Please note: contact details, especially phone numbers and email addresses, may change. We strongly recommend checking current information in the "Contact Us" section on the official airline website before your trip.

Travelling with Urumqi Air is an excellent way to save on flights, but like any low-cost carrier, quite strict rules apply here regarding baggage. To avoid unforeseen expenses at the airport and start your trip on a positive note, we recommend carefully studying the baggage allowance norms in advance. The airline's policy varies depending on the selected fare and route.

Hand Luggage: Essentials Only
In Urumqi Air's basic fares, free carriage of one piece of hand luggage is usually provided. The standard weight for most flights is 7 kg. The dimensions of the bag must not exceed 20×40×55 cm (including wheels and handles) so that it can fit freely in the overhead bin. Be attentive: at check-in counters and boarding gates, staff may check the weight and dimensions of your suitcase. If you are flying to Urumqi with a connection, ensure your hand luggage meets the requirements of all carriers in your ticket.

Checked Baggage: Choose Your Fare Wisely
Since Urumqi Air positions itself as a budget carrier, the cheapest promo fares often do not include a free checked baggage allowance. If you are planning a long holiday, for example, on the beaches of Haikou, you will likely need to purchase luggage space.

• Economy Class: Usually includes 10 or 20 kg of baggage (depends on the specific booking subclass).
• Excess Baggage: If your suitcase is heavier than the allowance, you will have to pay extra for each excess kilogram at the airport. Rates at the check-in counter are significantly higher than when paying online in advance.

Special Items and Sports Equipment
Transporting non-standard baggage, such as bicycles, skis, snowboards, or musical instruments (e.g., guitars or cellos), requires prior approval. Such items are not included in the free baggage allowance and are paid for separately. We recommend contacting the airline's call centre no later than 24 hours before departure to clarify the cost and book space for oversized cargo.

Special Safety Rules in China: What Not to Bring
Aviation security rules in China have their own specifics that every tourist should know:

• Power Banks (External Batteries): Permitted only in hand luggage. Carriage in checked baggage is strictly prohibited. The device must have a clear factory marking of its capacity. Batteries with a capacity exceeding 160 Wh are not accepted for carriage.
• Lighters and Matches: Airports in China enforce a total ban on carrying lighters and matches in both hand luggage and checked baggage. They are confiscated during security checks.
• Lithium Batteries: Must be carried inside equipment or in hand luggage in protective packaging.

Packing Tips
To ensure your journey, whether it is a business trip to Shenzhen or a tourist visit to Mianyang, goes smoothly, weigh your suitcases at home. If you have multiple bags, clarify whether the "weight concept" (summing up bag weights) or "piece concept" (limit on the number of items) applies to your flight. For low-cost carriers, it is always more economical to pack items compactly into one suitcase than to pay for additional pieces.

Travelling with a pet on Urumqi Air flights requires thorough preparation, as the airline adheres to strict safety regulations. As a budget carrier, the company optimises its processes, which imposes certain restrictions on methods of animal transport. Before purchasing a ticket, it is important to familiarise yourself with these rules to avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport.

Transport in the Aircraft Cabin
It is important to know that Urumqi Air generally does not permit the transport of pets (cats, dogs, birds) in the passenger cabin. Unlike some other airlines, there is no option here to carry small animals in hand luggage under the seat.

• Exception: The only exception applies to guide dogs and service dogs accompanying passengers with visual or hearing impairments. Such animals are carried in the cabin free of charge provided there is a training certificate, muzzle, and leash. The airline must be notified of the need for such transport in advance.

Transport in the Cargo Hold
The primary method of travel for household pets on Urumqi Air flights is as checked baggage. Animals are placed in a special compartment of the aircraft where the necessary pressure and temperature are maintained.

• Container Requirements: The cage must be rigid (sturdy plastic or metal), with a secure lock that prevents accidental opening. Soft carriers are not permitted.
• Dimensions: The container must be spacious enough for the animal to stand at full height, turn around freely 360 degrees, and lie down in a natural position.
• Equipment: The bottom of the container must be lined with absorbent material (absorbent pad). Secured containers for water and food, accessible for filling from the outside, are mandatory.

Temperature Restrictions
The airline cares about animal welfare and may refuse transport if weather conditions on the route are extreme. Usually, animals are not accepted if the air temperature at the point of departure, transit, or arrival is below -12°C or above +30°C. This is especially important to consider when planning summer flights to hot cities such as Haikou, or winter flights through Urumqi.

Necessary Documents
To check in for the flight, you will need a full package of documents:

• International veterinary passport.
• Valid vaccination certificate (rabies vaccination must be administered no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months before departure).
• Animal health certificate issued by the state veterinary service (usually valid for 3–5 days).
• For international flights, for example, if you are flying to Bangkok, it is necessary to study Thailand's quarantine requirements in advance and obtain an international veterinary certificate.

Service Costs
Animal transport is not included in the free baggage allowance. The service is paid for separately as excess baggage based on actual weight (the animal together with the cage, food, and water). Rates depend on the destination and weight, so we recommend checking the cost with the call centre before departure.

Restrictions on Breeds and Condition
For safety purposes, Urumqi Air implements a ban on transporting certain categories of animals:

• Brachycephalic Breeds: Dogs and cats with snub noses (Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Persian cats) are often not admitted for flight due to the risk of breathing problems at altitude.
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 3 months are not accepted for transport.
• Pregnancy: Transport of pregnant females is prohibited.
• Aggressive Breeds: Fighting dog breeds may be refused transport.

Tip: The number of spaces for animals on each flight is strictly limited. We strongly recommend booking the pet transport service via the Urumqi Air hotline immediately after purchasing the ticket and no later than 24 hours before departure.

For frequent flyers of Urumqi Air, travel becomes more rewarding thanks to the airline's participation in the global loyalty programme Fortune Wings Club. This is a unified bonus system for all carriers within the HNA Group holding, allowing you to accumulate points not only for flights but also for daily spending, unlocking access to premium-level privileges.

Membership Tiers
Status in the programme is determined by the number of accumulated Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) or Status Qualifying Segments (SQS). The higher the level, the more comfortable your journey becomes:

• Fortune Wings Card (Base): Assigned immediately upon registration, allows point accumulation and access to exclusive promotions.
• Silver Card: Grants a +25% bonus on mileage accrual, priority on the waiting list, check-in at business class counters, and priority boarding.
• Gold Card: +50% mileage bonus, access to VIP lounges (one guest allowed), additional free baggage allowance, and priority baggage delivery.
• Platinum Card: Maximum privileges, including a +50% bonus, guaranteed seat on the flight when booking 48 hours in advance, free upgrades (subject to availability), and unlimited lounge access.

How to Earn Miles
Fortune Wings Points are a universal currency that can be earned in various ways:

• Flights: Accrual depends on the fare, booking class, and flight distance on Urumqi Air and other partner airlines participating in the programme.
• Accommodation: Booking hotels through partner networks and aggregator sites brings additional points to your account.
• Car Rental: Using the services of international rental companies that are partners of the club.
• Bank Cards: Paying for purchases with co-branded credit cards from partner banks allows you to convert spent funds into miles.
• Daily Shopping: Ordering goods from the Fortune Wings Club online store also tops up your account balance.

How to Spend Miles
Accumulated points open up wide opportunities for savings and improving travel quality:

• Award Tickets: Full or partial payment for flight tickets on Urumqi Air and partners (only taxes and fees are paid in cash).
• Class Upgrade: Using miles to upgrade from Economy Class to higher service classes on flights of HNA Group airlines.
• Excess Baggage: Possibility to pay for overweight baggage with accumulated points (available at selected airports, requires verification).
• Goods and Services: Exchanging points for electronics, household goods, or gift certificates in the loyalty programme catalogue.

Alliance Participation
Although Urumqi Air is not part of global alliances (such as Star Alliance or SkyTeam), membership in the Fortune Wings Club integrates it into the powerful partner network of HNA Group.

• Main Partner: Hainan Airlines (parent company with a 5-star Skytrax rating).
• Other Partners: Hong Kong Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Capital Airlines, Lucky Air, Suparna Airlines, GX Airlines, Fuzhou Airlines, and Grand China Air.

How to Join
Anyone can become a programme member for free. To do this, you need to complete the online form on the official Urumqi Air website or the Fortune Wings Club portal. After registration, you will receive a digital membership number, which should be quoted with every ticket booking for automatic mileage crediting.

Travel Classes: Accessibility and Efficiency
As a budget airline, Urumqi Air adheres to a "single class" concept (Economy Class) on most of its flights. This allows for maximum reduction in ticket costs, making air travel accessible to a wide range of passengers. The company's fleet, consisting of Boeing 737-800 liners, features a unified cabin layout.

• Economy Class: The main and only class of service. Seats are arranged in a 3+3 configuration. The seat pitch is standard for low-cost carriers, so taller passengers are recommended to select seats at emergency exits in advance (for an additional fee), where there is significantly more legroom.

Despite the budget format, the aircraft cabin is maintained in cleanliness and good technical condition. Seats typically feature leather upholstery, adding practicality and comfort, especially during flights to hot destinations like Haikou.

Food and Beverages
Urumqi Air's catering policy differs from classic airlines. Hot meals and drinks are usually not included in the price of basic tickets. This is standard practice for low-cost carriers, allowing passengers not to overpay for services they might not use.

However, you won't go hungry:

• Onboard Menu: During the flight, flight attendants offer an assortment of snacks, instant noodles, and soft drinks for a separate fee.
• Pre-order: On longer flights, for example, when departing from the city of Urumqi, passengers can pre-order hot meals (via the website or call centre). The menu often includes dishes featuring the distinctive flavors of the Xinjiang region, such as rice with chicken or beef in spicy sauce.

Entertainment and Connectivity
Individual multimedia screens in seatbacks are absent on Urumqi Air aircraft. Wi-Fi and power outlets for charging gadgets are also generally not provided. To avoid boredom during the flight, especially if you are flying an international route to Bangkok, we recommend:

• Downloading films, music, or books to your smartphone or tablet in advance.
• Bringing a portable charger (power bank), remembering the strict rules regarding its carriage only in hand luggage.
• Enjoying the views: the airline's routes often pass over the picturesque mountain ranges of the Tian Shan and desert landscapes, which is a breathtaking spectacle in itself.

Service for Passengers with Special Needs
Despite the low-cost model, the airline treats passengers requiring special care with attention.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Urumqi Air provides an escort service for children (usually aged 5 to 12) travelling alone. Airline staff will look after the child from check-in until handover to the meeting party at the arrival airport, whether it is a major hub or a smaller city like Luzhou.
• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Passengers with disabilities can count on assistance during boarding and disembarking, as well as the provision of a wheelchair. It is important to request this service no later than 48–72 hours before departure so that staff have time to prepare everything necessary.
• Pregnant Women: Air travel is permitted with a doctor's certificate (in later stages) and good health. After the 36th week of pregnancy, transport may be refused for the safety of both mother and baby.

The Urumqi Air route network is built around its strategic hub in the city of Urumqi, ensuring reliable connections between the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and key points in China. The carrier actively develops routes linking the region with popular seaside resorts and major metropolises, as well as operating international flights to Southeast Asia.

Book Early for Popular Destinations
Since Urumqi Air operates on a low-cost model, ticket prices change dynamically as the cabin fills up. This is particularly relevant for the airline's most in-demand domestic route — from the base airport of Urumqi to the tropical resort of Haikou. Given the high frequency of flights on this route, tickets at promo fares sell out quickly, so it is better to plan a holiday by the sea 2–3 months in advance.

Consider Transit Opportunities
Travellers departing from major economic centres, such as Shenzhen, or from international locations, for example, from the city of Bangkok, should carefully calculate connection times. Urumqi Airport is a major hub with serious security measures, so it is recommended to allow at least 3 hours for transfers, especially if you need to collect and re-check baggage.

Look for Alternative Departure Points
Sometimes departing from a neighbouring region can be cheaper or more convenient. Note that flights to Haikou are operated not only from Urumqi but also with high regularity from the city of Mianyang. Flights from Fuyang also appear in the schedule, giving travellers more flexibility when planning a route around China.

Check Seasonal Schedules
Less busy destinations, such as flights to Luzhou, are characterised by seasonality or low flight frequency (sometimes just a few times a week). Before booking hotels and planning meetings, be sure to check the current schedule on the official website to ensure a flight is available on your desired date.

The history of Urumqi Air begins in 2014, when growing demand for air travel in the western part of China required the creation of a strong regional player. The airline was founded as a joint venture between the government of the city of Urumqi and one of the largest aviation conglomerates — HNA Group (parent company of Hainan Airlines). Having received its operator certificate, the carrier made its first commercial flight on August 29, 2014, which became the symbolic start of a new era of accessible travel along the Great Silk Road.

Fleet Formation and Operational Model
From the very first days of existence, the company bet on efficiency, choosing the low-cost carrier (LCC) model. This decision defined the fleet development strategy: the park's foundation comprised reliable and economical Boeing 737-800 liners. Aircraft unification allowed for reduced expenses on technical maintenance and crew training. In recent years, Urumqi Air has also become one of the pioneers in operating the newest Chinese regional aircraft, the COMAC ARJ21, demonstrating the company's commitment to innovation and support for local aviation manufacturing.

Route Network Expansion
Initially, the route map was limited to flights within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, linking remote corners of the province with the administrative centre. However, the airline's ambitions quickly moved beyond the region. An important stage of development was the opening of direct flights to key economic centres of China, such as high-tech Shenzhen. This allowed for the establishment of a solid bridge for business and tourist exchange between the east and west of the country.

Entering the International Arena
A significant milestone in Urumqi Air's history was the launch of international flights. The opening of flights to Southeast Asia marked the transformation of a local carrier into an international-level airline. The route to Bangkok enjoys particular popularity among tourists, opening direct access to Thailand's resorts for Xinjiang residents, and a convenient path into the heart of Eurasia for foreign guests.

Modern Stage of Development
Today, Urumqi Air continues to actively develop its network, focusing on popular tourist destinations. The airline has successfully mastered routes to the tropical island of Hainan, operating regular flights to Haikou not only from its base hub but also from other cities, such as Mianyang and Fuyang. The development of transit nodes in smaller cities, for example in Luzhou, allows the company to flexibly manage passenger flow and offer travellers convenient connections.

Despite its youth, Urumqi Air has journeyed from a small regional startup to a significant player in China's aviation market, combining the support of the major holding HNA with the flexibility of a budget carrier.