Brief Introduction to Sanya Phoenix International Airport

 

Sanya Phoenix International Airport (hereinafter referred to as "Sanya Airport") was officially opened on July 1, 1994. It is classified as a 4E grade airport, capable of accommodating full-capacity takeoffs and landings of large aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400. The total terminal area is 231,900 square meters, including Terminal 1 (60,800 ㎡), Terminal 2 (18,100 ㎡), Terminal 3 (124,300 ㎡), International Terminal (16,400 ㎡) and VIP Terminal (12,300 ㎡), with 88 apron stands.

Initially designed for an annual passenger throughput of 1.5 million, Sanya Airport has achieved sustained capacity growth through multiple rounds of expansion and renovation. Its annual passenger throughput surpassed 10 million for the first time in 2011. In 2018, it became the first non-provincial capital prefecture-level airport in China to join the "20-million-passenger club". In 2025, passenger throughput exceeded 22.68 million, setting a new historical record since its operation. With the official operation of Terminal 3 on February 6, 2026, the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity has been raised to 30 million.

As of October 9, 2026, Sanya Airport operates 165 air routes, including 36 international and regional routes, connecting 109 airports, including 29 international and regional airports.

Positioned as a regional aviation gateway sub-hub facing  the Pacific Ocean and Indian Oceans, and an aviation logistics hub for the "Belt and Road Initiative". Relying on Hainan Free Trade Port policies, in 2025 Sanya Airport launched several landmark routes: Hainan’s first the Fifth Freedom passenger route linking directly to Europe (Frankfurt ⇌ Bangkok ⇌ Sanya), Sanya’s first regular Fifth Freedom international cargo route to Europe (Tbilisi – Sanya – Milan), and China’s first the Seventh Freedom passenger route (Sanya ⇌ Prague), marking a milestone breakthrough in the opening-up of international air traffic rights at Sanya Airport.

Guided by Party building work over the years, Sanya Airport advances operational safety and service innovation, achieving 32 consecutive years of safe operation. It has  repeatedly passed the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) aviation security audits and ISO 9001 Quality Management System certifications, and has won numerous awards in airport construction, service quality and event support, including "National Civilized Unit", SKYTRAX "World’s Best VIP Terminal", SKYTRAX 4-Star Airport, ACI Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Excellence Award and Best Airport in Asia-Pacific Region. In parallel, the airport commits to green development and social responsibility. Multiple energy-saving technological renovations  upgrades have substantially cut carbon emissions, earning it the title of "Two-Star Low-Carbon Airport". The airport regularly carries out volunteer programs such as the " Assisting Education, Nurturing Dreams and Shaping People" campaign, establishing a positive image as a state-owned enterprise.

For future development, Sanya Airport adheres to the service philosophy of "To travel is to live" and build a four-type airport with "safety, environmental friendliness, intelligence, and humanity" as its core, playing a greater strategic supporting role in the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port and serve as a vital opening-up gateway for China in the new era.