Plans have been drawn up to invest some Rmb30bn in new airports in China’s far western region of Xinjiang between 2011 and 2015. The investment will increase the number of operational civil airports in Xinjiang to 22 from the current 16, according to a statement.

Local aviation administrators said the plan would involve the construction of four new airports, in Tazhong, Shache, Loulan and Tumshuq, airport relocations in Shihezi, Qiemo and Fuyun, and airport expansions in Urumqi, Hotan and Korla.

In 2010 Xinjiang’s 16 airports handled 101,500 tonnes of cargo, but that is expected to more than double over the next five years.