Yutian Wanfang Airport (YTW)

Yutian Wanfang Airport (IATA: YTW, ICAO: ZWYT) is a regional civil airport serving Yutian County, also known as Keriya, in the Hotan Prefecture of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It serves as a critical transportation link for this remote area on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, enhancing regional connectivity, supporting economic development, and facilitating tourism to the ancient Silk Road oasis.

Opened to air traffic on December 26, 2020, Yutian Wanfang Airport is a relatively new addition to Xinjiang's aviation network. Its construction was a significant infrastructure project aimed at reducing the isolation of southern Xinjiang. Before its opening, travel from Yutian to the regional capital, Urumqi, required a lengthy overland journey of more than 20 hours. The airport dramatically cut this travel time to approximately two hours by air, fundamentally changing access to the region for residents, business travelers, and emergency services.

The airport is conveniently situated about 11.5 kilometers south of the Yutian County town center, a drive that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Access between the airport and the town is primarily by road, with taxis being the most common mode of transport for travelers. Given the airport's small scale, shuttle services may be timed to coincide with flight schedules, but verifying this in advance is recommended.

Operations at Yutian Wanfang are exclusively domestic. The airport primarily connects the region with Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC), which acts as the main hub for onward travel to other Chinese cities. Airlines such as China Southern Airlines and Urumqi Air are key carriers operating routes to and from YTW. As a 4C class airport, it was designed to handle an annual passenger volume of around 180,000 people.

The facility consists of a single, modern terminal building that is functional and efficient. Inside, travelers will find basic amenities including check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a waiting lounge with seating. As a small regional airport, retail and dining options are limited, typically consisting of a small convenience store or snack bar rather than a wide selection of shops and restaurants.

For those traveling through Yutian Wanfang Airport, it is advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security screening. It is also wise to arrange ground transportation in advance, particularly for early morning or late evening flights. Most signage is in both Mandarin Chinese and Uyghur, but English proficiency among staff may be limited. Having your destination address written in Chinese characters can be helpful when communicating with taxi drivers.