Yulin Xisha Airport

The airport was closed and replaced by the new, larger, and more modern Yulin Yuyang Airport (IATA: UYN, ICAO: ZBYL). The old Xisha airport was located too close to the city center, which restricted its potential for expansion. Its runway was too short and its facilities were inadequate to handle the increasing passenger and cargo traffic driven by the region's economic growth, particularly in the energy sector. The new airport was constructed further from the city to accommodate larger aircraft and future growth.

The airport is permanently closed to all air traffic. As of the latest satellite imagery, the main runway and some taxiways are still clearly visible. The site has been repurposed for non-aviation activities. A significant portion of the former airfield, particularly the runway, is now used as a large-scale driving test and training center for cars and trucks. The surrounding area has been absorbed by urban sprawl, with new roads, residential, and commercial buildings being developed on the former airport's land.

Yulin Xisha Airport, commonly known as the old Yulin Airport, was the primary air gateway for the city of Yulin for several decades. It was originally constructed in 1958 as a military airfield. In 1989, it was expanded and converted for dual civil-military use, launching its first commercial flights. The airport played a crucial role in connecting the resource-rich Ordos Desert region with major Chinese cities like Xi'an and Beijing, supporting the local economy. Its operations were limited to smaller aircraft due to its relatively short runway and basic infrastructure.

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Yulin Xisha Airport. The city's aviation needs are fully met and exceeded by the modern Yulin Yuyang Airport, which continues to expand its facilities and route network. The land occupied by the old airport is now valuable urban real estate, and its location within the city makes a return to aviation operations impossible due to safety regulations, noise concerns, and physical obstructions from new construction.