Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (IATA: URC, ICAO: ZWWW) serves Ürümqi, CN. It has 251 scheduled routes to 105 destinations in 21 countries, operated by 40 airlines.
- Modern and Efficient Airport: The airport is described as very modern and efficient, with a clean environment.
- Clear Signage: Travelers appreciate the availability of signs in English, Chinese, and Uyghur, making navigation straightforward.
- Good Transit Process (Historically): Older reviews highlight well-organized transit experiences with helpful staff.
- Free Drinking Water: Hot and cold drinking water are readily available at multiple locations.
- New Terminal 4 and Metro Connection: As of April 2025, Terminal 4 is fully operational for all flights and is directly connected to Metro Line 1, offering convenient and free rides to the city center.
- Strict and Intense Security Checks: Security screening is notably rigorous, often requiring the removal of belts, shoes, and socks, and involving thorough physical pat-downs. Travelers are also typically required to remove all electronic items from carry-on bags for separate scanning.
- International Immigration Delays: A significant pain point for international transit passengers is the requirement to pass through immigration even for connecting flights, which can involve long queues and slow counters, potentially leading to missed connections.
- Limited and Expensive Food/Shopping: Options for food and retail are generally sparse and overpriced within the airport.
- WiFi Connectivity: While available, the airport's Wi-Fi typically requires a Chinese phone number for login, posing a challenge for international visitors.
- Language Barrier (Outside of Key Signage): Despite multi-language signage, international travelers may still encounter language barriers with staff who do not speak English.
- Taxi Issues: Some taxi drivers at the airport may refuse to use the meter, and taxi fares might include additional surcharges.
Bottom line: Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport, particularly with its new Terminal 4 and direct Metro Line 1 connection, offers a modern and efficient experience for many. However, international travelers should prepare for intense security checks and potential delays at immigration, especially if transiting, and consider pre-booking private transfers for smoother city connections.
New & changed departures
3 changes to URC's schedule in the last 90 days.
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Track all changesRoutes from URC
105 nonstop destinations · 40 airlines.
Airlines at URC
40 carriers operate scheduled departures.
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Airport routes
Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (URC) offers 251 flight routes operated by 40 airlines. Major carriers include China Southern Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Urumqi Air and others. Popular destinations from Ürümqi include Kashgar (Kashi), Chengdu Tianfu Int'l, Xi'an Xianyang Int'l, Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int'l, Hotan.
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Common questions about URC
Quick answers, straight from the schedule data.
How many destinations have nonstop flights from URC?
Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport has 251 scheduled routes to 105 destinations in 21 countries, operated by 40 airlines.
Which airlines fly from Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport?
40 carriers operate scheduled departures, including China Southern Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Urumqi Air.
Where is Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport located?
Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport is located in Ürümqi, CN, at an elevation of 2125 ft. Its IATA code is URC and ICAO code is ZWWW.