Haikou International Airport is considered the largest on the island of Hainan. It is this air port that connects South China with the states of Southeast Asia and the central regions of the country. Haikou Meilan (translated from Chinese "camellia") is a modern airport equipped with the latest technology, which has received many awards from international organizations, including the best service among all Chinese airports. Meilan Airport connects flights from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok with flights to Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan and other countries.
Airport history
In the second half of the 20th century, the province was served by the Dayanshan airport, located in the center of the island's capital (now a major highway in its place). Over time, the airport ceased to cope with the flow of tourists and business people, so in the early 90s it was decided to build a new airport terminal.
The opening took place in 1999. From the very beginning, the project "airport - green garden" was carried out: the greening coefficient here reaches 99.6%. The upper part of the complex is made in a rural style, it emphasizes the characteristics of the island. The lower one is made in a tropical seaside style, symbolizing "eastern Hawaii" (as Hainan is called).
10 years after the start of operation, the air harbor was reconstructed: the total area increased, and more points of sale attractive to passengers appeared. Meilan Airport was one of the first Chinese terminals to open a duty-free shop in 2021.
In 2021, the Haikou International Terminal was awarded the SKYTRAX 5 Star Certificate. It is the second airport in China and the sixth in the world to be awarded this title.
Which companies serve flights
The main airline of Meilan Airport is Hainan Airlines. It is one of the largest airlines in the country, with the fourth largest aircraft fleet in China.
The airport is also used by international airlines, and domestic flights are operated by other Chinese carriers. On the runways, you can often see the aircraft of China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Air Macau, Air Asia, NordStar Airlines and others.
The largest airport on the island of Hainan serves more than 100 routes, 60 destinations around the world, including Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur.
Aircraft from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk and other Russian cities are also received in Haikou. Foreign codes of the air port: IATA - HAK, ICAO - ZJHK.
Haikou Meilan infrastructure
For foreign tourists, there is a two-storey terminal with an area of more than 60 thousand square meters. There is also a terminal for domestic flights and a VIP area with fountains, dozens of small cafes, and a large restaurant.
In total, there are 45 check-in counters and 11 checkpoints at the airport. The total number of personnel is over 500 people.
- Each terminal has information boards showing the flight schedule.
- There are places for the rest of the departing. Those traveling with children can use the mother and child room, and wheelchairs can be booked in advance for the disabled.
- The 24-hour medical center on the second floor provides urgent medical assistance, and medicines will be provided to you free of charge.
- A special service will help to find the missing luggage, and its staff will always answer all the passengers' questions. Official languages of communication are Chinese, English.
For citizens of Russia, Canada, the countries of the European Union, Japan, Korea and some others, there is a "visa on arrival" service. The visa is issued for 15 days for a group of at least 5 people.
Hotels
If you need to stay near Meilan Airport for several days, you can choose airport hotels that are within walking distance, no more than 1-2 km away.
Hotels can be either very comfortable or more modest. There are also hostels where accommodation will cost an acceptable amount.
Here are some accommodation options (price per night per person):
- Haikou Meilan Airport Hotel is a modern comfortable four-star hotel just steps from the airport. Price - from 4,000 rubles.
- Haikou Meilu Hotel Meilan Airport is a 4-star hotel 200 meters from the airport, the cost is 1,300 rubles.
- Jinnong Business Hotel is a modest 3-star hotel, the cost is from 1,000 rubles.
- Haikou Hot Tide Youth Hostel - hostel with prices starting at RUB 400 for a place.
When choosing a place to stay overnight, it is advisable to read the reviews of those who lived there. See where Haikou Airport is located on a Google map and choose the hotel that suits you.
Services provided at the airport
Haikou Meilan provides additional services that passengers can use.
- Luggage packing. Near the check-in desks, you can wrap your belongings in plastic wrap. The cost of the service is approximately 140 rubles.
- Luggage office. There is a left-luggage office in the middle of the terminal. The cost depends on the size of the baggage and the duration of its storage.
- If you need to go online, 28 machines (kiosks with computers) are at your service. If you buy a local SIM card, you can connect to Wi-Fi for free from anywhere using a tablet, laptop, smartphone. The name of the network is Airport WiFi Free-Meilan. Login to the system - via SMS confirmation or following a link.
- For those who smoke, special areas are allocated.
There is also a self-service registration service (for those who have purchased electronic tickets), currency exchange, and referral services.
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How to use the tax-free service
Starting in 2021, tourists visiting Hainan Island can enjoy duty-free shopping. Shopping must be done at special Tax Free shopping centers that are open in Haikou and Sanya: Sanya Summer Mall, Haikou Sheng Baihuo, Sheng Sheng Baihuo.
The shops are lined up luxurious - with food courts, underground parking, dozens of retail outlets of world famous brands.
The tourist purchases goods, pays for them on the spot, prepares a tax invoice and a tax refund form, and then leaves. By the time of the buyer's departure, the goods will be delivered to the airport. Here, in the tax-free zone (CDF), you can pick up a purchase using a passport or a certificate from the store.
According to the law, one purchase should not cost less than 800 and more than 5,000 yuan (approximately from 8 to 50 thousand rubles). The tax refund can be received in cash or the money will be sent to your account. The refund will be 11% of the value of the item.
Transportation to / from Haikou Meilan Airport
Since the airport is located relatively close to Haikou City (25 km), you can take a regular bus or taxi.
A taxi will cost 90-100 yuan (about 1,000 rubles), and the trip will take up to 30 minutes.
Passengers arriving on China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines can use the airport shuttle bus free of charge. The transfer will take 30-40 minutes.
By bus number 21, 41 you can leave for up to 6 yuan (about 60 rubles)
The distance from Haikou Airport to Sanya is much longer - 280 km. The most convenient way is to take a taxi or bus to the railway station (1.5 km) upon arrival, and then change to a high-speed or regular train. The fare, depending on the class, will be from 90 to 233 yuan. You will arrive in Sanya in 1.5-2.5 hours. And from there you can go to the Dadonghai resort, the famous Yalong beach or to other seaside cities.
When asked how long to travel from Haikou Airport to Sanya, no one can give an exact answer. It all depends on the transport: a bus will cover the distance in 3.5 hours, a modern high-speed train will rush in 1.5 hours, and the travel time by car will be different.
Additional Information
Since unforeseen questions may arise, it is best to find out the answers to them from the officials.Here is some background information on Haikou Airport that will help you not get lost in a foreign country:
- Address: Haikou Airport, Haikou, CN 571126, China.
- Phone for inquiries: +86 898 6576 0114.
- The official website is http://www.mlairport.com.
On the site you will find not only reference materials, but also the flight schedule, online scoreboard of Haikou Airport. Information is provided in Chinese and English.
Russian-language information about the arrival and departure of aircraft in real time can be viewed on the website.
Conclusion
More and more Russians are taking tours for holidays in Hainan. White sand beaches, an emerald sea, an abundance of fruits and a mild climate throughout the year are what attracts the island
The airport in Haikou will also be of interest to business people, those who travel on their own or fly further to Southeast Asia, making a transfer to other flights. According to passengers, Meilan is distinguished by a special oriental sophistication and an unusual atmosphere, which are surprisingly combined with modern technology and comfort.
