Hotan Airport

Hotan Airport (also known as Kungang) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the mysterious world of the Great Silk Road. Located on the edge of the boundless Taklamakan Desert, it welcomes travellers eager to touch the ancient history and culture of this unique region. Despite its distance from major metropolises, the air harbour offers modern conditions and serves as a starting point for the search for the famous Hotan jade.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The airport has undergone extensive reconstruction and now boasts a modern terminal that combines functionality with elements of local architectural style. Thanks to its convenient location, a trip to the city centre takes only about 20 minutes by taxi or bus. The airport receives flights from major Chinese hubs such as Urumqi and Beijing, ensuring reliable connections between the region and the outside world.

There are several ways to contact representatives of Hotan Airport. Below are the main contact details that travellers may need.

• Official Website: Hotan Airport is part of the Xinjiang Airport Group. Up-to-date information can be found on their official website: www.xjairport.com. A separate website for Hotan Airport is generally not maintained.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For information on flights, airport services, and other general queries, you can call: +86-903-2026114.
• Airport Address: Hotan Airport, Yingbin Road, Hotan, Xinjiang, China.
• Email: A specialised email address for general passenger inquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: Official news and updates are often published on Xinjiang Airport Group accounts in Chinese social networks, such as WeChat.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the main airport inquiry number or visit the information counter directly upon arrival.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Comprehensive passenger support is provided through the main inquiry service at +86-903-2026114.

Getting to Hotan Airport (HTN), located approximately 12 kilometres south of the city centre, is quite simple. This airport is an important transport hub for travellers exploring the southern part of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient ways to reach the terminal.

Taxi or Transfer. This is the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport from the city of Hotan. A taxi ride takes about 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip is moderate, but it is recommended to agree on the price with the driver in advance or ensure they have switched on the taximeter. For maximum convenience, you can book a transfer through your hotel — this is slightly more expensive but saves you from unnecessary hassle.

Public Transport. For budget-conscious travellers, city buses run on routes passing near the airport. This is the most economical option, however, it may require more time and is not always convenient if you have a lot of luggage. Schedules and exact routes may change, so it is better to verify information locally, for example, at your hotel.

Car Rental. If you plan to actively travel around the region, renting a car might be a good solution. Rental points operate at the airport and in the city. However, it is worth remembering that foreign tourists often require a Chinese driving licence to drive in China, as international permits may not be recognised. Check this requirement with the rental company in advance.

Airport Parking. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicle, parking is provided on the airport grounds. You can leave your car here for both short and long periods. This is a convenient option if you are making a short trip to another city.

Recommendation: For most tourists, the optimal choice in terms of price and comfort is a taxi. To avoid misunderstandings with the driver, it is useful to have the name of the airport written in Chinese (和田机场, Hétián Jīchǎng), as well as the address of your hotel.

Hotan Airport (HTN) is a modern and compact aviation hub that is easy to navigate even for an inexperienced traveller. It consists of one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. Thanks to this, you will not have to worry about moving between different buildings or complex navigation.

The structure of the terminal is intuitive. Typically, the check-in area and airline counters are located on one level, while the departure area with gates is on another. The arrival area with baggage claim belts and the exit to the city is also clearly separated. Navigation through the terminal is simplified thanks to clear signs in Chinese and English. Due to the small size of the airport, it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The process of passing control at Hotan Airport usually proceeds quite quickly. Departure and arrival zones are clearly demarcated. After checking in for the flight, passengers pass through security screening and enter the sterile waiting area with boarding gates. The arrival zone includes the baggage claim hall and the exit to the city, where taxis and other modes of transport are available. There are no transfers between terminals, as all operations are concentrated in one building.

To comfortably complete all pre-flight formalities, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before your flight's departure time. This time will be sufficient for check-in, luggage drop-off, and security screening without unnecessary haste. Although the airport is small, sometimes checks can be more thorough, so a small time buffer is advisable.

The history of Hotan Airport (HTN) is inextricably linked with the development of the entire southern region of Xinjiang in China. Founded in 1956, it was originally a small airfield designed to ensure transport accessibility for this remote oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. In the first decades of its existence, it played a key role in maintaining connections with the rest of the country, serving both civil and state needs.

A key stage in the development of the air harbour was the large-scale reconstruction and expansion, which began in May 2001 and was completed in June 2002. During these works, a new runway 3,200 metres long was built, and a modern terminal with an area of 3,600 square metres was erected. This allowed the airport to obtain a 4D class rating and begin accepting medium-haul aircraft, such as the Boeing 737. Modernisation radically changed the logistical capabilities of the region, giving a powerful impetus to the development of tourism and the economy.

Since then, Hotan Airport continues to develop, opening new routes and increasing passenger flow. It has become an important aerial gateway for travellers wishing to get acquainted with the rich history of the ancient Silk Road, and for entrepreneurs involved in the trade of famous Hotan jade and silk. An interesting fact: the airport is often used as a base for scientific expeditions exploring the harsh conditions of the Taklamakan, one of the largest sand deserts in the world.

Hotan Airport (HTN) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. The air harbour in China is designed taking into account modern requirements for the convenience and safety of travellers.

For those who want a snack or a full meal, there are cafes and restaurants in the terminal offering both local Uyghur cuisine and more familiar international options. In the shops, you can purchase souvenirs, travel goods, as well as famous local products, such as silk and jade.

Passengers can rest in comfortable waiting halls. For travellers who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are provided where one can relax in a quiet atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations will allow you to stay connected at all times.

The airport features ATMs and currency exchange points, which is convenient for foreign tourists. In case of necessity, passengers can contact the medical centre for first aid.

For travellers with children, a mother and baby room is equipped where you can take care of your little one in a quiet environment. The airport is also equipped with everything necessary for passengers with reduced mobility: ramps, specially equipped toilets, and escort services help make movement through the terminal convenient.

Nearby the airport, there are hotels of various price categories, which is an excellent solution for those with an early departure or a long layover. For business travellers, conference rooms or business services may be available in VIP lounges, allowing you to hold a meeting or work while waiting for a flight.

Hotan Airport (HTN) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full lunch, mainly concentrated in the main terminal building. Although the selection here is not as large as in major international hubs, you certainly won't go hungry. Most catering establishments are located in the public zone (landside), before passing security control, so it is recommended to eat before checking in for your flight if you have time.

The main highlight of the airport's gastronomic offerings is local Uyghur cuisine. This is an excellent opportunity to taste authentic Xinjiang dishes before departure. Look out for restaurants offering hearty plov (pilaf), aromatic laghman (hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables), or juicy kebabs. For a quick snack, local flatbreads or samsa are suitable. This is not only delicious but also allows you to experience the culinary traditions of the region.

For those looking for more familiar options, the airport has small cafes where you can order instant noodles, sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. Typically, in the departure zone (airside), after passing screening, the choice is more limited and comes down to vending machines with snacks and drinks or a small cafe with a basic assortment.

Regarding special dietary needs, the majority of local dishes are Halal. Vegetarians might find it more challenging to find specialised dishes, however, one can always order side dishes based on rice, vegetables, or fresh salads. Prices at Hotan Airport are moderate compared to other air harbours, but slightly higher than in the city. Most establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening a few hours before the first departure and closing after the last one.

Travelling through Hotan Airport, an important transport hub on the ancient Silk Road, can be a simple and pleasant experience if you prepare in advance. To avoid unnecessary haste, arrive at the airport at least 2–2.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. Check-in usually closes 40–60 minutes before departure, but it is better to have a time buffer to go through all procedures without stress.

Security screening procedures at airports in China can be quite strict. Be prepared for a thorough check of hand luggage. Pay special attention to the rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in containers packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices. Power banks must be carried only in hand luggage, and their capacity must be clearly indicated on the casing. The carriage of lighters and matches is generally completely prohibited. To save time and choose a convenient seat, for example, by the window to admire the desert landscapes or by the aisle for greater comfort, use online check-in for the flight if your airline provides such an option.

If you are flying with a transfer, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate point. Hotan Airport is not a major international hub, so most transfers are to domestic flights, which simplifies the process. Customs control is only undergone by passengers arriving from abroad. In this case, it is necessary to declare goods exceeding the established import limits.

In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and instructions. Bear in mind that not all airport staff may speak English, so a pre-installed translation app on your phone can be extremely helpful. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control, and small snacks. While waiting for your flight, you can rest in the few cafes or browse the souvenir shops, where you can find items made from the famous Hotan jade.