Altay Xuedu Airport (AAT)

Altay, CN 🇨🇳 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

ZWAT

IATA

AAT

Elevation

2460 ft

Region

CN-65

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: ZWAT

Local Code: Not available

Location: 47.749886° N, 88.085808° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Altay Air Base

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Altay Xuedu Airport (ZWAT (AAT)) in Altay, CN, has experienced significant growth in passenger volume in recent years, largely driven by the booming ice and snow tourism economy in the region. While official data and reports highlight efforts to optimize routes and improve services, one travel guide aggregates a lower overall rating of 2.3/5 from 46 reviews, suggesting a mixed traveler sentiment. However, other sources indicate generally good satisfaction with specific operational aspects like security and baggage claim.

What Travelers Love
  • Growing Connectivity and Convenience: The airport has expanded its flight routes, now operating 34 routes connecting to major cities like Urumqi, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, making it more accessible for tourists. Direct flights are particularly appreciated by travelers from cities like Xi'an, significantly reducing travel time.
  • Specialized Services for Ski Tourists: During the snow season, Altay Xuedu Airport offers dedicated services for winter sports enthusiasts, including special counters and inspection channels for snow equipment, and free transport of snow equipment from the airport to the urban area, addressing a key concern for ski travelers.
  • Efficient Security and Customs: Travelers generally report positive experiences with airport processes, with security checks and immigration/customs rated at 80% satisfaction. Current security wait times are reported as approximately 25 minutes, with passport control at around 8 minutes.
  • Effective Baggage Claim: Baggage claim services receive a high satisfaction rating of 83%.
Common Complaints
  • Mixed Overall Satisfaction: Despite operational improvements and increased passenger numbers, some aggregated traveler reviews indicate a lower overall satisfaction, with one platform showing a 2.3/5 rating. Specific details of these complaints are not widely available in recent summaries.
  • Limited Food and Retail Options: Food and retail services within the terminal receive a lower satisfaction rating of 66%, suggesting a potential area for improvement in variety and quality.
  • Lack of Airport Shuttle Bus: There is no dedicated airport shuttle bus service to the city center, meaning travelers must rely on taxis for onward transportation from the airport, which is located about 10-13 km from the city proper.
  • Transportation Challenges for Remote Areas: While the airport provides good connections, reaching more remote scenic spots like Hemu and Kanas in winter often requires 4WD vehicles with snow tires, and self-driving in these conditions is not recommended.

Overall, Altay Xuedu Airport is a rapidly developing regional airport, particularly catering to the winter sports and tourism market with specialized services. While its connectivity and operational efficiency are generally well-regarded, enhancing terminal amenities, particularly food and retail options, and providing more diverse and convenient public transportation links to the city and beyond could further improve the traveler experience.

Generated True weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Altay Xuedu Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
13 270 13 Dec 8, 2025
9 154 9 Dec 10, 2025
8 152 8 Dec 10, 2025
3 74 3 Dec 10, 2025
2 44 2 Dec 10, 2025
Air China
CCA / CA
1 33 1 Dec 10, 2025
1 30 1 Dec 8, 2025
1 17 1 Dec 8, 2025
1 13 1 Oct 12, 2025
1 7 1 Dec 10, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
12/30 7218 ft - ft CON Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency

Ident Name Type Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available at a designated stand outside the airport's arrivals hall. The journey to the Altay city center is approximately 11-12 kilometers and typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Rental Cars

Car rental services are available, primarily from national Chinese providers. It is strongly recommended to book a vehicle in advance online. Note that foreign visitors need a valid Chinese driver's license to rent and drive a car, as an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized in China.

Public Transportation

An airport shuttle bus service operates between the airport and various key locations in downtown Altay. The bus schedule is generally aligned with flight arrival and departure times, offering an economical way to travel to and from the city center.

Nearby Airports

Burqin Kanas Airport
KJI • ZWKN
Burqin, CN
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~97 km away
Burqin Kanas Airport
KJI • ZWKN
Burqin, CN
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~97 km away
Beitun Fengqing Airport
CN-0279
Beitun, CN
Small Airport
~61 km away
Burqin Kaerqisi Airport
CN-0282
Burqin, CN
Small Airport
~87 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.