A ceremony to mark the official operation of the two general airports in Ordos city is held on April 18. [Photo/Ordos Media Center]

A total of two new general airports in the city of Ordos in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region officially started operations on April 18.

The airports are located in Uxin Banner and Otog Banner, respectively.

They are both A1-level general-purpose airports, which will carry out short-distance flights, flight training, tourism activities, surveys and mapping, agricultural low-altitude spraying, aerial seeding afforestation, forest protection and fire prevention, emergency rescues, and other businesses.

The construction of Uxin Banner General Airport started in September 2021, with a total investment of about 138 million yuan ($19.86 million).

The airport has a runway with a length of 1,200 meters and a width of 30 meters. It is also equipped with a vertical contact taxiway with a length of 145.5 meters and a width of 15 meters. The designed annual passenger throughput of the terminal building is 7,500.

The newly-built Otog Banner General Airport is put into use on April 18. [Photo/Ordos Media Center]

Otog Banner General Airport began construction in June 2021 and received a total investment of 140 million yuan. The whole airport covers an area of 640 mu.

Ordos is located in the southwest of Inner Mongolia, which has scattered towns and inconvenient roads. It is optimal for the development of general aviation transportation, which will meet the needs of the people for efficient travel.

With the operation of the two airports, four short-distance flight routes have been opened. These routes include the routes from Uxin Banner to Ordos Ejin Horoo Banner International Airport; Uxin Banner to Hohhot city; Otog Banner to Ordos Ejin Horoo Banner International Airport; and Otog Banner to Hohhot.

Aircraft park at the newly-built general airports in Ordos city for department preparations. [Photo/Ordos Media Center]