URUMQI - The Turpan airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has received over 100,000 passengers so far this year, up 80.6 percent on the total for the whole 2016.

Air cargo at Turpan Jiaohe Airport increased by 167.6 percent year on year to 275.6 tonnes as of Aug. 17, according to an airport statement.

Located just northwest of the city of Turpan, Jiaohe Airport opened in 2010.

Direct flights were launched to the cities of Zhengzhou, Changsha, Tianjin and Xi'an this year, contributing to the robust passenger and cargo growth.

A major town on the ancient Silk Road, Turpan has become a key tourist spot in Xinjiang. Famous sight-seeing spots include the Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley and Kum Tag Desert.