Gateway to the ancient Silk Road in China's Xinjiang desert.
Opened
2013
Location
Ruoqiang, China
Ruoqiang Loulan Airport (IATA: RQA, ICAO: ZWRQ) is a regional airport serving Ruoqiang County in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, China. It is named after the ancient Loulan kingdom, a historic Silk Road city-state whose ruins lie in the nearby Lop Nor region of the Taklamakan Desert.
The airport provides essential air connectivity to one of China's most remote and sparsely populated counties, Ruoqiang being the largest county by area in China. It primarily serves domestic routes connecting the region to major Chinese cities, helping to support local economic development and tourism to the area's historically significant sites.
The surrounding region is notable for its extreme desert environment, proximity to Lop Nor (a former nuclear test site), and archaeological sites related to the ancient Loulan civilization.
Terminals
The airport has a single small terminal building designed to handle regional passenger traffic.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and Ruoqiang Town is primarily via road, with taxis and shuttle services available.
Airlines here
China Southern Airlines and other domestic Chinese carriers have operated routes through Ruoqiang Loulan Airport.
Notable facts
- ›Named after the ancient Loulan kingdom, a lost Silk Road civilization.
- ›Serves Ruoqiang County, the largest county by area in China.
- ›Located near the Lop Nor desert basin, China's former nuclear test site.
- ›The surrounding Taklamakan Desert is one of the world's largest sandy deserts.
- ›The airport supports growing archaeological and heritage tourism in the region.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
