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Haikou Meilan International Airport

Tropical Gateway to Hainan Island

Airport in China

(17 km)

114 destinations

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Haikou Meilan International Airport serves as Hainan’s main gateway to the world. Located just outside Haikou, it connects travelers to cities across Asia and beyond. The airport handles both domestic flights from major Chinese hubs and international routes reaching Southeast Asia and other regions. Modern facilities include duty free shops, dining options, lounges and efficient baggage services. Its strategic location supports tourism growth on the island while providing convenient access for business travelers seeking new opportunities in southern China’s expanding economy.

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Haikou Airport Summary

Haikou Meilan International Airport is an airport near Haikou in China. It currently offers regular passenger service to 114 destinations operated by 37 airlines.

Top airlines

Hainan Airlines (HU)

616 flights per week

China Southern Airlines (CZ)

357 flights per week

Beijing Capital Airlines (JD)

100 flights per week

Top destinations

CAN Guangzhou

SZX Shenzhen

WUH Wuhan

Cheapest destinations

SZX Shenzhen

HAN Hanoi

CSX Changsha

Best destinations

NRT Tokyo

SIN Singapore

HKG Hong Kong

China – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I Type A: Type I: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary.

Chinese New Year (January/February)	Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations
National Day (1 October)	National holiday with parades and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
Taxi apps:	DiDi, Uber
Other:	China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches.

Haikou Meilan International Airport is a major transport hub on Hainan Island, featuring a modern terminal surrounded by lush tropical landscaping that complements the island’s natural beauty. Opened in 2011, the airport serves both domestic hubs like Beijing and Shanghai as well as international routes to Southeast Asia and beyond.

The airport offers a range of services including extensive duty-free shopping, multiple dining options featuring local tropical cuisine and comfortable waiting areas. Travelers often praise the airport’s cleanliness and efficiency, though some note that signage can be challenging for non-Mandarin speakers and queues may grow during peak travel seasons.

Several premium lounges provide peaceful retreats with comfortable seating, refreshments and Wi-Fi access. Travelers should be aware that transport outside the airport taxis and ride-sharing apps can be less predictable, so pre-arranged transfers are recommended for convenience and safety.

Haikou Meilan International Airport is the perfect starting or ending point for exploring Hainan’s beaches, tropical parks and cultural sites, encapsulating the island’s blend of modern comfort and tropical relaxation.

Helpful tips for Haikou Meilan International Airport

Arrive two hours early to accommodate security and customs checks.
Use the free airport Wi‑Fi to download local maps, weather updates and flight status before departure.
Check visa requirements for China; most travelers need an e‑visa or pre‑approved travel authorization.
The terminal features a dedicated Chinese language help desk and multilingual signage, easing navigation for international passengers.

Available airport lounges

Grand Skylight Lounge

Located in the international terminal, the lounge offers comfortable seating, refreshments, free Wi-Fi, and flight information screens. Access is available to business-class passengers, lounge members, or by paid entry.

Haiwan Lounge

Available to domestic flight passengers, featuring comfortable seating, snacks, beverages, and complimentary internet. Suitable for relaxation before domestic departures.

Where to stay near Haikou Meilan International Airport

The area near the airport has several mid-range and upscale hotels catering primarily to transit and business travelers. For a more immersive experience, visitors typically stay in Haikou city or resort areas along the coast, offering luxurious beachside accommodations and a range of amenities.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Haikou Meilan International Airport Hotel

9.0

Eadry Royal Garden Hotel Haikou

7.8

Four Points by Sheraton Haikou International Airport

8.9

mango crystal hotel

10.0

Haikou Meilan Airport Jixiang Hotel

8.1

City Comfort Inn Haikou Lingshan Meilan Airport

8.0

Microtel by Wyndham Haikou Meilan International Airport

Haikou Meilan International Airport Hotel

Vienna International Hotel Haikou Meilan Airport

Cheerymay Hotel Haikou Guilinyang University Town Meilan Airport

Explore more accommodations

How to get from Haikou Airport to popular destinations

To Haikou City Center:
About 25 kilometres from the airport, accessible by taxi, ride-sharing apps, and local buses. The trip takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, with taxi fares roughly CN¥80 – 120 (£8.95 – 13.43). Pre-arranged transfers or reputable taxis are recommended, especially for non-Mandarin speakers.

To Sanya:
Roughly 300 kilometres south via the high-speed rail line connecting Haikou and Sanya. The travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours; buses and private cars are also options but slower.

To Wenchang:
About 70 kilometres east, reachable by taxi or hire car in around 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Public transport options are limited, so private transport is preferred.