Bole Airport

Welcome to the western gateway of China, where endless steppes meet modern aviation routes. Bole Alashankou Airport is not just a transport hub, but the starting point for a journey to the "last tear of the Atlantic," Sayram Lake. Located in a unique geographical corridor, this airport opens access for tourists to the distinctive culture of Bortala and the majestic mountain landscapes on the border with Kazakhstan.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Strategic Location. The airport is situated in a unique location: just 18 kilometres from the city of Bole and 50 kilometres from the Alashankou border crossing, making it a key link in the transport corridor between China and Central Asia.

Gateway to Natural Wonders. This is the nearest air harbour for those dreaming of seeing the high-altitude Sayram Lake. Travellers appreciate the ability to quickly get from the aircraft steps to picturesque alpine meadows and crystal-clear waters.

Compactness and Convenience. The terminal, opened in 2010, features modern yet compact infrastructure. There is none of the hustle and bustle of giant hubs here, allowing you to complete all pre-flight formalities quickly and without unnecessary stress.

Year-Round Accessibility. Despite the region's harsh continental climate, the airport is equipped with everything necessary to receive flights at any time of the year, connecting this remote corner with major centres such as Urumqi.

You can contact representatives of Bole Alashankou Airport (BPL) in several ways. It is important to note that this is a regional airport, and some communication channels may only be available in Chinese.

• Official Website: Bole Airport is part of the Xinjiang Airport Group. It does not have a separate website, but general information is available on the group's corporate portal: www.xjairport.com. The site is primarily in Chinese.
• Information Desk Phone: The main contact number for flight and service information is: +86-909-2292315.
• Address: The airport is located approximately 18 km east of the city centre of Bole, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passengers is not publicly provided. For urgent communication, it is recommended to use the telephone.
• Social Media: Bole Airport does not have official pages on international social media platforms.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative at the airport directly. You can also call the information desk for coordination.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and enquiries, please visit the information counters in the terminal or call the general airport helpline.

There are several ways to get to Bole Airport (BPL), which serves the city of Bole in China. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The airport is located approximately 18 kilometres from the city centre, so the journey will not take much time.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most convenient and fastest way to reach the airport. The trip from the city centre will take approximately 25-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is recommended to use official metered taxis or agree on the price with the driver in advance to avoid misunderstandings. You can also book a private transfer through your hotel or online services, which is particularly convenient if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or in a group.

Public Transport in the form of an airport shuttle is the most budget-friendly option. Typically, Chinese cities have special bus routes connecting the city centre with the airport. Their schedule is often coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. It is best to check the exact route, cost, and schedule locally, for example, at your hotel reception or the bus station. There is no direct metro or train connection to the airport.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those planning not only a trip to the airport but also independent exploration of the surroundings of Bole and the Xinjiang region. Car rental agency representatives can be found in the city and at the airport itself. This provides maximum freedom of movement. For drivers arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles, parking is provided. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available.

In general, for maximum comfort and speed, choose a taxi. If you wish to save money, the airport shuttle is the best solution. Plan your time with a margin, especially if departing during peak hours.

Bole Airport (BPL) is a modern and relatively small aviation hub characterized by a simple and clear structure. This makes it convenient for passengers, especially those travelling here for the first time.

The airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings: all procedures from check-in to boarding the plane take place in one location. The terminal layout is logical and intuitive: departure and arrival zones are clearly separated, typically on different levels.

The departure zone is usually located on the upper floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters and security checkpoints. After completing formalities, passengers enter the secure waiting area (airside) with boarding gates. The arrival zone is located on the ground floor, where baggage claim belts and the exit to the city are situated.

Completing all pre-flight procedures at Bole Airport typically takes significantly less time than in major hubs. On average, check-in and security screening take between 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, use the information boards displaying current flight data. Signs are in Chinese and English, facilitating orientation. The compact size of the airport is its main advantage: getting lost here is practically impossible, and the path from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate will be short and quick.

Bole Alashankou Airport (BPL) is a modern aviation hub whose history is closely linked to the economic development of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Unlike airports with centuries of history, its story is one of rapid growth and strategic planning. Construction of the airport began in July 2009, and on 10 July 2010, it received its first flight, officially opening the air gates to the city of Bole and its surroundings.

The main goal of creating the airport was to improve transport accessibility to the remote region and support one of China's most important land ports — the Alashankou pass on the border with Kazakhstan. Since opening, the airport has become a catalyst for tourism development, especially for travellers seeking to see unique natural landscapes such as Sayram Lake. It has significantly reduced travel time to Bole from major Chinese cities, which previously took several days by land.

A key stage in the airport's development was its recent modernisation. In 2019, an expansion project was approved, and in 2020, work began on extending the runway. This reconstruction was necessary so that the airport could accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737-800, allowing for increased passenger traffic and the opening of new routes. This testifies to the growing importance of the airport and its ambitions to become a larger regional hub.

Although there are no loud records or dramatic events in the history of Bole Airport, its main achievement is the successful integration of the region into the national transport network. An interesting fact: its double name — Bole Alashankou — highlights its dual mission: to serve both the city and the strategically important border crossing. The history of this airport is a vivid example of how modern infrastructure can radically change the life of an entire region.

Bole Airport (BPL) provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport terminal is designed to make your journey as convenient as possible. Here you will find cosy waiting halls with ample seating.

For those feeling hungry, the airport features small cafes and snack bars where you can have a snack or drink coffee before departure. There are also shops where you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, and local products. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special zones for charging electronic devices are equipped so you can always stay connected.

The airport provides basic financial services: there are ATMs and currency exchange points. In case of need, passengers can visit the medical point for first aid. For travellers with small children, a mother and child room is equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment. The airport is also accessible for passengers with reduced mobility — there are ramps and specially equipped toilets.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, travellers can easily find accommodation options in the nearby city of Bole. For business travellers, basic business services may be limited, however, essential amenities such as internet access and areas for laptop work are available in the general waiting hall.

When planning a snack at Bole Airport (BPL), keep in mind that this is a small regional airport, and the choice of establishments here is quite limited. Nevertheless, you will be able to find basic options to satisfy your hunger before departure. If you prefer variety or a full meal, it is strongly recommended to eat in the city before travelling to the airport.

Typically, a small cafe or snack bar operates in the main terminal. The assortment in such places usually includes simple and filling Chinese dishes: instant noodles, rice with various toppings, or dumplings. Packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits) and a standard set of drinks: tea, coffee, bottled water, and fizzy drinks are also always available.

Do not expect a wide selection of local Xinjiang cuisine, although individual elements of it may be present on the menu. For passengers with strict dietary preferences, for example, vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance, finding a suitable dish will be extremely difficult. The most reliable option in such a case is to bring food with you. While Halal options are common in the Xinjiang region generally, specific certification at small airport outlets should be verified on-site.

Main food outlets are usually located in the public area before security control (landside), which is convenient for both passengers and those seeing them off. Opening hours are generally tied to the flight schedule and are not 24/7. Prices at the airport are traditionally noticeably higher than in city establishments in Bole.

For a quick snack before boarding, a sandwich or a portion of hot noodles will suffice. If you wish to have a full lunch, it is better to do so in advance at one of the numerous restaurants in the city. Bole Airport is a place where you can grab a bite out of necessity, but it is not a centre for gastronomic discoveries in China.

When planning a trip through Bole Alashankou Airport (BPL), located in the city of Bole, it is worth considering a few tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Since the airport serves domestic flights, we recommend arriving in advance — at least 2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all pre-flight formalities without haste.

To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such a service. Have your passport and boarding pass ready at check-in counters and security control. Screening procedures at airports in China can be quite thorough, so follow staff instructions carefully.

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences. Window seats allow you to enjoy the views during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement. If you need extra legroom, consider seats by the emergency exits, but note that certain restrictions may apply to them.

Be sure to put all documents, money, gadgets, and valuables in your hand luggage. Pay special attention to portable chargers (power banks) — they are permitted only in hand luggage, and strict restrictions on their capacity often apply in China. Liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited in the cabin.

If you have a connecting flight at Bole Airport, check with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be transferred automatically or if you need to collect it and check it in again. At the airport, follow the "Transfer" signs to quickly find the way to the required boarding gate. Ensure you have enough time between flights for a comfortable transfer.

To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. You can also bring light snacks, as prices in airport cafes and shops are usually higher. To save time, prepare all documents in an easily accessible place in advance and pack your hand luggage so that you can quickly remove your laptop or liquids at security.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline's information desk for current information. Depending on the duration of the wait, the carrier is obliged to provide you with drinks, meals, and for long delays, hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for forced expenses for potential compensation.