Hainan Island, China’s tropical free-trade zone, is served by two major international airports that together connect the island with much of East Asia, Russia, and Central Asia—especially during the cooler months of October to March, when demand for beach holidays surges.
Hainan’s Two International Gateways
| Airport | IATA / ICAO | 2023 Passenger Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haikou Meilan International Airport | HAK / ZJHK | 24.3 million | One of China’s busiest airports; Terminal 2 opened in 2021; key domestic hub with growing international traffic |
| Sanya Phoenix International Airport | SYX / ZJSY | 21.8 million | Focused on international leisure tourism; expansion to 30M passengers/year by late 2025 |
Together, these airports offer year-round access to Hainan and are seeing strong growth in direct long-haul routes—especially from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, fueled by visa-free travel and rising demand.
Direct Flights from Russia and Central Asia
Russia – Largest Foreign Market
Russia remains Hainan’s top overseas source market. As of June 2025:
9 Russian cities have non-stop flights to Sanya (SYX), operated by Aeroflot and other charter airlines:
Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Ufa, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Vladivostok, KhabarovskMoscow → Haikou (HAK): Operated by Hainan Airlines
Total: 10 direct routes from Russia to Hainan
Example:
Moscow – Sanya: 3× weekly, ~9h 35m
Saint Petersburg – Sanya: 2× weekly, ~10h 55m
Kazakhstan – Rapidly Expanding
Almaty → Sanya (SYX): Operated by Air Astana
Frequency: 2× weekly using A321LR aircraft
Launched: October 2024
Total: 1 direct route (Almaty → Sanya)
Demand is expected to grow with Hainan’s visa-free policy and promotional efforts in Central Asia.
Mongolia – Seasonal Escape
Ulaanbaatar (UBN) → Sanya (SYX): Operated by Juneyao Air
Flight Time: ~4h 55m
Season: June to October (summer season only)
Total: 1 direct route (seasonal)
Emerging & Potential Markets
Kyrgyzstan
No direct flights from Bishkek or Osh (as of mid-2025)
Potential: High, due to visa-free access and growing outbound travel
Belarus
Minsk → Sanya: Charter flights have operated in winter months in past years
Status: Not yet resumed as of June 2025, but expected in the 2025–26 holiday season
Tajikistan
No direct flights yet
Travelers connect via Urumqi, Beijing, or Almaty
Uzbekistan
No scheduled direct flights from Tashkent
Seasonal charters possible during New Year or Spring Festival
Summary Table – Direct Flight Access to Hainan (as of June 2025)
| Country | Direct Flights | Airports with Routes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russia |  Yes | 9 to Sanya, 1 to Haikou | Largest source market |
| Kazakhstan | Yes | 1 (Almaty → Sanya) | Steady growth |
| Mongolia | Yes (seasonal) | 1 (Ulaanbaatar → Sanya) | June–October service |
| Kyrgyzstan |  No | – | High potential |
| Belarus | Seasonal | 1 (Minsk → Sanya, charter) | Expected winter-only service |
| Tajikistan | No | – | Indirect routes only |
| Uzbekistan | No | – | Charters possible in future |
Why This Matters for Travelers
- Visa-Free Entry:
Citizens from Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, and more now enjoy 30-day visa-free stays in Hainan. 
Strategic Growth Focus:
Hainan is actively building ties with Russian-speaking and Central Asian countries as part of the Belt and Road Initiative and its own tourism diversification strategy.
Alternative to Southeast Asia:
With its beaches, tropical climate, and expanding flight network, Hainan is becoming a sun-seeking favorite for travelers from colder climates—often with shorter flight times than Thailand or Vietnam.
Final Tips for Travelers
Fly into Sanya (SYX) for leisure and beach-focused trips
Fly into Haikou (HAK) if exploring northern Hainan, or connecting from Beijing, Chengdu, or Moscow
Book early during peak periods, especially December–February (New Year and Spring Festival)