Sanya airport sees surge from Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea

On June 14, inbound and outbound passengers at Sanya Phoenix International Airport clear customs in an orderly manner. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

In the first half of 2025, Sanya Phoenix International Airport managed over 423,000 international arrivals and departures, representing 89.4 percent of the total passenger traffic.

Among them, more than 208,000 travelers entered visa-free, accounting for 88.54 percent of all inbound visitors. The leading source countries are Russia, Kazakhstan, and South Korea.

The surge is driven by favorable policies, including visa-free entry for citizens of 85 countries, a 144-hour visa-free stay for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao, and a 240-hour visa-free transit option.

Since March, Sanya has begun offering direct flights to Kazan, St. Petersburg, and Ufa in Russia. So far, 32 international passenger routes have been restored, linking 26 overseas destinations.

"I had heard about Hainan's beautiful scenery. When I learn there are direct flights, I immediately brought my family to have a vacation," said Irina, a Russian tourist.

Chen Weizhao, director of Aeroflot-Russian Airlines" Sanya branch, mentioned that flight frequency has risen, leading to more Russian bookings. Travelers are staying longer and visiting nearby attractions, which helps keep the routes smooth and boosts local seaside resorts, dining options, homestays, and cultural activities.

Data indicates that between Jan and May this year, Sanya welcomed 395,900 inbound overnight tourists and generated $328.3 million in foreign exchange revenue from overnight tourism.