The number of international flights that fly over the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in westChina has been almost doubled since the US-led air raids against Afghanistan and the shutdown of its airspace.
The western part of Xinjiang borders Afghanistan.
These flights that previously flew over Afghanistan changed routes to fly over Xinjiang, a local aviation officer said Thursday. They mainly connect Europe with east Asia and south Asia.
The flights are operated by 18 airline companies from countries and regions including Germany, Finland, Thailand, Uzbekistan, the republic of Korea and Hong Kong.
Before September, about 50 flights flew over Xinjiang each day and the number shot up to more than 90 after September 20, said the officer.
The aviation authorities have strengthened air traffic control to ensure the normal operation of these international flights.
(eastday 10/25/2001)
