Seven airlines in China will open 18 air routes to provide services for travel to and from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region starting from July.

The civil aviation bureau of Xinjiang approved and issued business licenses for companies planning to open regular flights in Xinjiang, including China Southern Airlines, Urumqi Airlines and Huaxia Airlines.

According to the bureau, the license becomes effective immediately after being approved and issued by the bureau or administration, and it is valid for three years or on a date notified by the regional bureau of CAAC.

The bureau said before new 18 air routes were approved, 220 air routes have been operating in Xinjiang by the end of May.