Karamay Airport

Karamay Airport (KRY), also known as Guhai Airport, is a key transport hub of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Opened in 2006, it has become an important air gateway for the city of Karamay, playing a significant role in supporting the local economy and developing regional tourism. This modern, albeit small, airport ensures reliable connections with other major cities in the country, serving as a starting point for travellers wishing to explore the unique culture and natural beauty of this region.

Karamay Airport is a compact and functional terminal focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers. It has everything necessary for comfortably waiting for a flight: waiting lounges, check-in counters, and baggage handling facilities. The airport is equipped with one runway 2,600 metres long, capable of accommodating medium-haul aircraft. Thanks to its convenient location and efficient operations, the airport ensures quick and simple logistics for travellers arriving in or departing from Karamay.

Below you will find contact information for Karamay Airport (KRY). Please note that for small regional airports, some details, such as email or social media, may not be publicly available, and the primary channel of communication is the telephone.

• Official Airport Website: Karamay Airport is part of the Xinjiang Airport Group. Current schedules and news can be found on the general portal: www.xjairport.com.
• Help Desk Phone: +86-990-6931114. This is the main number for flight information, services, and general enquiries.
• Airport Address: Karamay Airport, Karamay, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The airport is located approximately 17 km from the city centre.
• Email: A dedicated email address for passengers is not provided. It is recommended to contact them by phone.
• Airport Social Media: Separate social media pages for Karamay Airport are not maintained.
• Lost and Found Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the help desk at +86-990-6931114 or visit the information counter in the arrivals hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, use the main airport phone number: +86-990-6931114.

Karamay Airport (KRY) is conveniently located relative to the city, and you can reach it in several ways, choosing the most suitable option based on your budget and comfort level.

Public Transport. The most economical option is taking a bus. Special shuttles or city bus routes usually run from the centre of Karamay to the airport. This method is well-suited for travellers with light luggage. The journey may take about 40-50 minutes depending on the route and traffic conditions. It is recommended to check the current schedule and stops in advance.

Taxi and Transfer. For those who value speed and comfort, a taxi is the ideal choice. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 20-30 minutes. This is particularly convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with family. The cost of a taxi ride is significantly higher than a bus, but this is compensated by convenience and time savings. You can book a car via an app or find one at designated stands in the city.

Car Rental and Parking. If you plan to move actively around the region and explore the surroundings, it is worth considering car rental. Rental services are well-developed in China, and you can pick up a car either in the city or directly at the airport upon arrival. For those arriving in their own or rented transport, Karamay Airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle for the duration of your trip.

Regardless of the chosen method, we recommend leaving in advance to avoid possible traffic jams and calmly go through all pre-flight procedures. The choice between bus, taxi, or rental car depends entirely on your personal preferences and travel plans.

Karamay Airport (KRY) is a modern and compact aviation hub served by one main terminal. This significantly simplifies navigation for passengers, as all flights—both arrivals and departures—are concentrated in a single building. The terminal is designed primarily to serve domestic flights within China.

The terminal structure is intuitive and logical. The departure area with check-in counters and baggage drop-off points is located on the first level. Immediately behind them are security checkpoints leading to the secure area with waiting lounges and boarding gates. The arrival area is also located on the ground floor and includes baggage claim belts and the exit to the city. Thanks to the compact size, you won't have to walk far from one zone to another.

Since there is only one terminal in the airport, the issue of transfers between them is irrelevant—everything is within walking distance. Going through registration and screening procedures here usually takes significantly less time than in large international airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before your flight departure to complete all formalities without haste and fuss.

To navigate the terminal, use the information boards and signs, which are duplicated in English in most cases. Thanks to the simple and linear layout of the building, it is practically impossible to get lost. Even if you have arrived at Karamay Airport for the first time, you will easily orient yourself and find the necessary check-in counter or boarding gate.

The history of Karamay Airport (KRY) is inextricably linked with the economic development of the region, known as the "oil capital" of China. Although the first simple airfield appeared here back in the mid-20th century for the needs of the oil industry, the modern airport is the result of a large-scale transport infrastructure modernization project. Construction of the new terminal complex began in May 2004, and by December 2005, it was officially opened and received its first flights.

The main objective of the construction was to create a modern air gateway capable of serving the growing passenger flow and accommodating medium-haul aircraft. The new airport replaced the old one, which could no longer cope with modern requirements. The project included the erection of a new terminal and the construction of a runway 2,600 metres long, which allowed for the reception of popular liners such as the Boeing 737.

Since its opening, Karamay Airport has become a key transport hub for business travellers, engineers, and specialists working in the oil and gas industry. Its development proceeded in parallel with the growth of the city, contributing to the strengthening of economic ties with other major centres of the country. The airport is not associated with loud historical events of a global scale, but its history is a striking example of how modern infrastructure becomes an engine of regional progress.

Over the years of its existence, the airport has undergone several stages of modernization to maintain high standards of service and safety. Although it cannot boast passenger traffic records compared to megacities, its main achievement is the stable and reliable provision of air connections for one of China's most important industrial centres. Interesting fact: its appearance significantly reduced travel time for thousands of specialists who were previously forced to reach the oil fields by land, which gave a new impetus to the development of the entire northern part of Xinjiang.

Karamay Airport (KRY) offers passengers a set of basic services and amenities for a comfortable stay before departure. In the terminal, you will find several catering outlets, including cafes for a light snack and small restaurants serving local and Chinese cuisine. For those wishing to shop, there are stores with souvenirs, press, and travel goods.

For passengers wishing to relax in a quieter environment, a VIP lounge is available with additional services such as drinks and snacks. There is also plenty of comfortable seating in the general waiting halls. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations allow you to power up phones and other electronic devices.

Financial services at the airport include ATMs. Currency exchange operations may be limited as the airport primarily serves domestic flights, so it is recommended to take care of money exchange in the city beforehand. In case of need, a medical point operates in the terminal to provide first aid.

The airport is equipped for the comfortable stay of all categories of passengers. A mother and child room is provided for families with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can use ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms, as well as request assistance from an airline representative.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, however, the nearest hotels are located in the city of Karamay itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi. Specialized conference rooms or business centres are absent in the terminal building; for business meetings, it is better to use the infrastructure of city hotels.

Karamay Airport (KRY) offers passengers basic opportunities for snacking and relaxing before departure. Although the choice of establishments here may not be as wide as in large international hubs, you will be able to find places to have coffee or refresh yourself before your flight.

The main catering points are concentrated in the main airport terminal. As a rule, small cafes and snack bars can be found both in the public area (before security control) and in the secure departure area. Most often, the main selection is concentrated precisely in the waiting lounge after screening, where passengers spend most of their time.

For a quick snack, local cafes are perfect, where you can order coffee, tea, soft drinks, and light snacks such as sandwiches or pastries. If you have time for a full meal, it is worth paying attention to small restaurants offering Chinese cuisine. This can be a good opportunity to try something local, for example, a bowl of hot noodles or rice with vegetables.

Passengers with strict dietary restrictions (for example, vegetarians, vegans, or those requiring gluten-free or Halal meals) should be prepared for the fact that specialized options may be absent. In such cases, it is safer to bring a snack with you. Prices in airport establishments are usually higher than in the city of Karamay.

The opening hours of most food outlets are tied to the flight schedule: they open before the first departures and close after the last ones depart. This guarantees that you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself regardless of the time of your journey through China.

To ensure your journey through Karamay Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, use these proven tips. They will help you orient yourself in the airport, save time, and make your flight more comfortable.

Arrival Time at the Airport
For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient to complete check-in, baggage drop-off, and security control without rushing. If you are flying on an international flight (which is rare for this airport), allow at least 3 hours.

Check-in and Security Features
To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. Security control in Chinese airports can be quite thorough. Be prepared in advance to remove laptops, tablets, power banks, and liquid containers from your hand luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane
When checking in, choose a seat according to your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if you are flying over the picturesque landscapes of Xinjiang. An aisle seat provides more legroom and allows you to stand up easily without disturbing neighbours. For the quickest exit, choose seats in the front part of the cabin.

What Can and Cannot Be Carried in Hand Luggage
Standard rules apply here: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Particular attention in China is paid to power banks — they can only be carried in hand luggage, and they must have a clear capacity marking. Lighters and matches are generally strictly prohibited for carriage.

Recommendations for Transfer Passengers
If you have a connecting flight, check during registration whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the final destination. Leave a sufficient time gap between flights (at least 2 hours) to calmly go through all necessary procedures.

Customs Control Features
For international flights, it is necessary to declare amounts exceeding the set limit, as well as certain goods. Keep receipts for expensive purchases to present them at customs if necessary. For domestic flights, there is no customs control.

Tips for Saving Time and Money
Check in for your flight online to avoid queues at the counters. Bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control at special water fountains — this will save money on drinks. Study transfer options from the airport in advance to choose the most beneficial one for you.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay
In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the duration of the delay, the carrier is obliged to provide drinks, meals, or even hotel accommodation. Remain calm and clarify your rights as a passenger.