Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) serves as the primary aviation gateway to Haikou, the capital city of Hainan province in South Central China. The airport opened on May 25, 1999, replacing the outdated Dayingshan Airport which was located in the city center along what is now Guoxing Avenue.
The project to build Meilan Airport was approved in 1993 by the State Council and Central Military Commission, with construction beginning in November 1996 after budget approval from the State Planning Commission. The new airport was necessary because Dayingshan’s central location limited expansion and hampered urban development.
Since opening, Meilan Airport has undergone several expansion phases:
- 2002-2003: Terminal expansion increased area to 102,000 square meters with capacity for 9.3 million passengers annually
- 2014: West side corridor of Terminal 1 expanded
- 2016: Phase I Expansion Project completed
- December 2021: Terminal 2 opened as part of Phase II Expansion Project
These improvements reflect the airport’s commitment to meeting increasing demand as Hainan has grown as a tourist destination and business hub.
HAK Statistics and Quick Facts
Haikou Meilan International Airport has established itself as a major aviation center in southern China:
- Located 25 km (16 mi) southeast of Haikou city center
- Covers a total area of 1,140 hectares (2,817 acres)
- Features two terminals with a combined area of approximately 450,000 square meters
- Has 139 aircraft parking stands
- Operates two runways:
- First runway: 3,600 meters long and 45 meters wide (Grade 4E)
- Second runway: 3,600 meters long and 60 meters wide (Grade 4F, capable of handling the Airbus A380)
- In 2022, handled 11.2 million passengers, ranking 15th among China’s civil airports
- Processed about 124,000 tons of cargo in 2022, ranking 23rd nationally
- Recorded approximately 106,000 aircraft movements in 2022
Terminal 1 covers approximately 150,000 square meters with 74 check-in counters, while Terminal 2 spans nearly 300,000 square meters with 5 check-in islands and 110 check-in counters.
By 2025, the airport aims to achieve an annual passenger throughput of 35 million and cargo throughput of 400,000 tons.
Comprehensive Facilities
Haikou Meilan International Airport operates two terminals that offer modern facilities and services:
Terminal 1:
- Primarily serves domestic flights (except Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines)
- Features 74 check-in counters with specific airline assignments
- Contains 28 gates and 13 additional bus gates
- Houses shops, restaurants, and lounges
Terminal 2:
- Opened December 2021, located 1 km north of Terminal 1
- Serves international flights and domestic flights operated by Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines
- Features 5 check-in islands with 110 check-in counters
- Designed to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Airbus A380
A free shuttle bus connects both terminals for easy transfers.
The airport provides comprehensive passenger services including:
- VIP lounges in both terminals
- Duty-free shopping
- Restaurants and cafes
- Banking facilities and currency exchange
- Medical center (contact: 0898-65751920)
- Left luggage facilities
- Special passenger service areas
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Information desks
- Children’s play areas
- First aid stations
Major Airlines and Destinations
Haikou Meilan International Airport serves as a vital transportation hub connecting Hainan province with destinations across China and beyond.
Major Airlines
Several major carriers operate at Meilan Airport, with Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines maintaining significant bases at the facility. These airlines have established maintenance facilities capable of servicing aircraft as large as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330.
Destinations
The airport serves a wide range of destinations, primarily within China but also including international routes. Popular domestic destinations from Haikou include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, Wuhan, Chongqing, Sanya, Hong Kong, and Macau.
International destinations have included cities in Southeast Asia such as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.
The airport’s strategic location makes it an important gateway for tourism and business travel to Hainan Island, which has gained popularity as a tropical vacation destination.
Ground Transportation Options
Haikou Meilan International Airport offers various transportation options to help travelers reach their destinations efficiently.
High-Speed Rail
A standout feature is the Hainan Island High-speed Rail Meilan Station located in the airport’s basement level. This integration provides seamless connections across Hainan Island.
Travelers can take:
- City area trains (train numbers starting with S)
- Round-the-island high-speed rail intercity trains (train numbers starting with C)
The high-speed rail network includes:
- East Loop Line: Connecting Haikou East through Meilan Station to Sanya
- West Loop Line: Connecting Haikou Station through western coastal cities to Sanya
Taxi Services
Taxis provide direct service to the city center:
- Cost: approximately RMB 60
- Travel time: about 30 minutes
Bus Services
Several bus routes connect the airport with Haikou city:
Airport Shuttle Bus:
- Route: Airport ? Civil Aviation Hotel (downtown)
- Journey time: 35 minutes
- Fare: CNY 15
City Bus Routes:
- Route 21: To Baishamen Park
- Route 41: To Haikou Port
- Route K4: Express route to Baishamen Park
- Routes 218 and 219: To university and agricultural areas
Highways
The airport connects to:
- National Highway G223
- S82 Airport Connecting Expressway
- Provincial Highway S201
The Future of HAK
Haikou Meilan International Airport continues to evolve with ambitious plans for future development, reflecting its growing importance as a transportation hub for Hainan province and southern China.
Third Phase Expansion Project
In 2020, Haikou City initiated planning for the third phase expansion project, which includes:
- Building a corridor on the east side of the T1 and T2 terminals to improve connectivity
- Constructing a short runway on the north side of the existing facilities
- Expanding supporting facilities throughout the airport
- Targeted construction start in 2021
Future Capacity Goals
The airport has set clear targets for future capacity:
- Achieve an annual passenger throughput of 35 million by 2025
- Reach an annual cargo throughput of 400,000 tons by 2025
- Continue developing international routes to support Hainan’s growing role in global trade and tourism
Strategic Importance
Meilan Airport’s ongoing development aligns with broader regional strategies:
- Supporting Hainan’s development as a Free Trade Port
- Enhancing connectivity within the Greater Bay Area
- Facilitating international tourism to Hainan’s tropical destinations
- Serving as a gateway for business travel related to Hainan’s emerging industries
With its strategic location, modern facilities, and ambitious expansion plans, Haikou Meilan International Airport is positioned to strengthen its status as a leading regional aviation hub in the coming years, supporting Hainan’s continued growth as both a tourist destination and business center.
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