Sanya Launches Three New International Air Routes as Its Global Connectivity Continues to Expand

From October 8 to 11, Sanya’s international aviation network saw a significant expansion with the launch of three new routes: “Sanya–Minsk,” “Ulaanbaatar–Sanya–Ulan-Ude,” and “Sanya–Kuala Lumpur.” These routes have further enhanced the openness of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

(“Sanya–Minsk” inaugural flight passengers disembarking)

Among them, the “Sanya–Minsk” route, operated by Belavia, offers weekly round trips on Wednesdays, marking the first direct connection between Sanya and Belarus. The inaugural flight recorded an 98% passenger load factor. The “Ulaanbaatar–Sanya–Ulan-Ude” route, operated by Hunnu Air, is Sanya’s third fifth-freedom passenger route, following “Phnom Penh–Sanya–Singapore” and “Frankfurt–Bangkok–Sanya.” It facilitates the flow of tourists and logistics among China, Mongolia, and Russia. The “Sanya–Kuala Lumpur” route, operated by Batik Air Malaysia, runs twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offering a more convenient option for Southeast Asian tourists traveling to Hainan and further strengthening Hainan’s role as an aviation hub facing ASEAN.

(Inaugural ceremony for “Ulaanbaatar–Sanya–Ulan-Ude”)

(“Sanya–Kuala Lumpur” inaugural flight touches down at Sanya Phoenix International Airport)

The successful launch of these three routes reflects coordinated efforts from multiple parties. The Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province has repeatedly carried out tourism marketing and promotional activities in Southeast Asia, Russia, Belarus and other markets, laying the groundwork for developing overseas routes from Sanya. Sanya city authorities have maintained ongoing engagement with key source markets, and multiple rounds of negotiations and site visits have effectively facilitated the launch of these international routes.

A visitor from Minsk noted that Sanya’s warm coastal climate and high-quality tourism facilities offer European tourists an ideal winter getaway. A Malaysian travel agent also expressed interest in collaborating with Hainan tourism enterprises to develop bespoke travel products tailored to Southeast Asian travelers.

As of now, Sanya has opened a total of 38 overseas routes, connecting 29 international destinations across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Europe. This has significantly improved Sanya’s global accessibility and positively impacted the regional economic circle.

Looking ahead, Sanya plans to leverage the opening of these new routes as an opportunity to jointly introduce composite tourism itineraries that integrate ecological, cultural, wellness, and island resort elements in collaboration with other cities and counties in the Sanya economic circle, further attracting international visitors. Going forward, relying on the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Sanya will accelerate the layout of fifth- and seventh-freedom routes, refine its international aviation network, promote the coordinated development of “routes + products + services,” and enhance its competitiveness in the global tourism market.