Link SANYA｜Sanya ⇌ Irkutsk Route Launches! “New Moscow Suburbs” – Just Hop On Board

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Great news! At the start of 2026, Sanya Phoenix International Airport officially launched its new international route connecting Sanya and Irkutsk.

At 1:40 a.m. today, an Aeroflot passenger aircraft from Irkutsk touched down smoothly at Sanya Phoenix International Airport, marking the official commencement of the Sanya-Irkutsk international passenger service. This marks the first international passenger route launched by Sanya Phoenix International Airport in 2026. It not only achieves a strong start for the aviation market but also injects the first wave of robust momentum into the development of Hainan Free Trade Port’s aviation hub, driving sustained growth in the inbound and outbound tourism market.

To date, Sanya Airport has established connections to 11 cities in Russia, operating 26 weekly flights.

The route is operated by an A320 aircraft with three weekly flights departing from and arriving in Sanya on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Inbound flight SU866 departs Irkutsk at 20:55 on Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in Sanya at 02:20 the following day. It also departs at 22:00 on Mondays, arriving in Sanya at 03:25 the next day. The outbound flight number is SU867. Departing from Sanya at 03:20 on Fridays and Sundays, it arrives in Irkutsk at 09:10 the same day. Departing from Sanya at 04:25 on Tuesdays, it arrives in Irkutsk at 10:15 the same day. (All flight times listed above are Beijing Time. Please refer to the actual schedule in case of adjustments or changes.)

This marks not just the launch of a new route
but a tropical coastal paradise
meeting Russian charm in a “mutual rendezvous.”
Russian travelers can now embrace Sanya’s sunshine with greater ease.

Irkutsk, the capital of Russia’s Irkutsk Oblast, is hailed as the “Heart of Siberia” and serves as the gateway to Lake Baikal, the “World’s Well.”

The launch of this new route will significantly boost mutual tourism between the two destinations. In the future, visitors from Siberia will be able to easily escape the harsh winter and head straight to Sanya’s tropical breeze, ocean charm, sunshine, and sandy beaches.

During Sanya’s peak tourist season, streets are dotted with fair-haired, blue-eyed Russians, especially around Dadonghai. The city has become a “new Moscow suburb” in the hearts of Russian travelers. With year-round warmth and comfortable temperatures ranging from 20-28°C, abundant sunshine, and crystal-clear waters, Sanya is an ideal vacation destination. ⛱️

Traditional Chinese medicine wellness in Sanya has also drawn countless Russian tourists seeking its benefits. From cupping and acupuncture to massage therapy, these treatments address modern sub-health conditions, leaving a striking impression on the international tourism market.

The visa-free policy between China and Russia has officially taken effect, allowing Russian tourists to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, making entry extremely convenient. This means travelers can head straight for the sunshine, palm trees, and ocean as soon as they step off the plane.