Inaugural flight connects Sanya to Almaty, strengthening intl air links

On Oct 11, a plane operated by Air Astana carrying 157 passengers lands at Sanya Phoenix International Airport from Almaty, Kazakhstan. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

On Oct 11, a plane operated by Air Astana carrying 157 passengers landed at Sanya Phoenix International Airport from Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking the inauguration of the international air route between Sanya and Almaty.

The route is serviced by the A321 aircraft model, which operates on a bi-weekly schedule, specifically on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The inbound flight, identified by the flight number KC587, departs Almaty at 2:40 and arrives in Sanya at 9:35. Subsequently, the outbound flight number KC588 leaves Sanya at 10:35 and lands in Almaty at 17:50.

This new route establishes a convenient and efficient aerial bridge connecting Sanya and Kazakhstan. It is a significant initiative by Sanya Airport in response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, showcasing the deepening cooperation and exchanges between Sanya and Central Asia.

As of Oct 10, Sanya airport has opened 24 international routes, facilitating the completion of 3,195 annual international and regional flights. The airport has accommodated 439,092 international and regional passengers, representing a year-on-year surge of 758.9 percent and 932.7 percent respectively.