Sanya airport passenger volume tops 20 million

Sanya Phoenix International Airport. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Sanya Phoenix International Airport recorded a significant milestone on Dec 11 when its passenger volumes in the year to date topped 20 million.

On that day, the airport's operators recorded that it had handled 121,164 flights and transported 20.03 million passengers so far in 2024.

Sanya airport currently operates on 131 domestic routes, connecting 80 airports across China. Its domestic route network covers all major provincial capitals – except Lhasa, capital of the Tibet autonomous region – as well as municipalities and key first and second-tier cities..

Internationally, the airport boasts 27 routes to 20 airports in premier tourist-magnet cities including London, Moscow and Osaka, consolidating its status as a gateway for global travel.

Upcoming international routes – such as the Sanya-Tashkent and Sanya-Minsk flight routes – are expected to further increase the airport's connectivity, leveraging the Hainan Free Trade Port policies to expand regional and international travel options.

What's more, in order to accommodate rapidly growing passenger travel demand, Sanya airport has initiated its Phase III Renovation and Expansion Project focusing on constructing Terminal 3, which is slated for completion by the end of 2025.

Once operational, the new terminal is projected to further boost the airport's support capacity – promising travelers a more convenient, efficient and comfortable experience.

Overall, the milestone is said to underscore Sanya airport's critical role in connecting Sanya city to other parts of China and the world, while facilitating Hainan's growth as an international travel and trade hub.