Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Expands Westward Targeting Central Asia, Middle East, and Europe

Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is setting its sights beyond its current network, with ambitious plans to extend its reach into Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As part of its strategic vision to broaden its horizons, XIY is keen on launching new flights to Turkey within the year, aiming to diversify its mostly regional connections to Southeast and North Asia.

According to Jason Zhao, business manager for international market development at XIY, international passenger traffic at the airport is gradually recovering but still lingers at around 19.6% of its 2019 levels. Xi’an’s economic dynamics and lower travel propensity among locals, compared to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, pose challenges in attracting airlines to resume full services. Moreover, the reluctance is compounded by the current lack of business and premium travel demand to the city.

Despite these challenges, XIY is undergoing a significant phase of its multi-year expansion project, now fast-tracked to complete by the end of 2024, previously scheduled for 2026. This expansion aims to elevate the airport’s capacity to accommodate 80 million passengers annually across two terminals, positioning XIY as a leading hub in Western China, on par with Beijing Daxing (PKX).

Zhao highlights Xi’an’s unique cultural and tourism appeal, anchored by its historical significance as the starting point of the Silk Road. This cultural heritage, combined with the strategic focus of the Belt and Road Initiative, presents a significant opportunity for XIY to leverage connections with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The initiative’s emphasis on these regions aligns with XIY’s expansion goals, underscoring its potential as a strategic pivot for international air travel.

In a notable milestone achieved in mid-2023, XIY established a route to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, becoming the first airport in China to secure air links with all five Central Asian countries. This achievement reflects XIY’s commitment to expanding its international footprint, marking a significant step toward realizing its vision of becoming a pivotal gateway between the West and China.