The Urumqi–Frankfurt direct route was launched on June 1, the first nonstop intercontinental link between northwest China and Germany. The 8 hour flight saves 2–5 hours compared to east China detours, connecting Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region directly to Europe's aviation hub with over 300 global destinations. 

Border data shows international passenger traffic at Urumqi airport has surged nearly 40% year on year, with 80% of foreign nationals entering visa free.