Haikou Meilan International Airport
Haikou (Meilan), China
Haikou Meilan International Airport
Gateway to China's tropical island province of Hainan.
- ›Haikou Meilan International Airport opened in 1999, replacing the older Haikou Xiuying Airport.
- ›The airport serves as a hub for Hainan Airlines, one of China's largest private carriers.
- ›Hainan Province's designation as a free-trade port has significantly boosted passenger and cargo traffic through the airport.
- ›The ongoing Phase II expansion is designed to raise annual capacity to over 35 million passengers.
- ›The airport's IATA code HAK reflects its role as the primary gateway for Haikou city.
Haikou Meilan International Airport is the primary aviation hub serving Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province on China's southern coast. Opened in 1999 and named after the Meilan District in which it sits, the airport has grown substantially to support Hainan's booming tourism economy and its designation as a free-trade port. It handles tens of millions of passengers annually, connecting the island to major mainland Chinese cities and select international destinations.
- Terminal 1 — The original terminal handling domestic routes and some regional services, featuring standard check-in and retail facilities.
- Terminal 2 — A newer, larger terminal opened to accommodate expanded capacity, handling additional domestic and international flights with modern amenities.
- Haikou Metro Line 1 connects the airport to the city centre and Haikou East Railway Station
- Airport shuttle buses operate routes to key districts including Guomao and the seafront area
- Taxi services are available at designated ranks outside arrivals halls
- Ride-hailing apps such as DiDi are widely used for door-to-door transfers
- Car rental counters are located in the arrivals area from major Chinese and international brands
- Inter-city coaches link the airport to other parts of Hainan Island
- Haikou Meilan Airport Hotel
- Hilton Haikou Meilan
- Holiday Inn Express Haikou Airport
- Vienna Hotel Haikou Meilan
- GreenTree Inn Haikou Meilan
Inside the terminals, passengers will find a mix of Chinese fast food chains, noodle and dim sum outlets, and convenience stores offering local Hainanese snacks such as Wenchang chicken rice products. International brands including KFC are also present airside. For a broader dining experience, the Meilan District surrounding the airport offers numerous local restaurants specialising in Hainanese cuisine and fresh seafood.
- Download the DiDi app before arrival as it is the most reliable and affordable way to reach the city centre.
- Hainan is a duty-free shopping zone; confirm your eligibility and allowances before purchasing items at airport or downtown duty-free stores.
- Metro Line 1 is the fastest and most cost-effective option to reach central Haikou or connect to rail services heading south.
- Typhoon season runs from May to November — check weather advisories as flights can be delayed or cancelled during severe storms.
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Haikou Meilan International Airport is an international airport serving Haikou, the capital of South Central China's Hainan province. It is located 25 km (16 mi) southeast of the city center and was opened in 1999, replacing the old Dayingshan Airport located along what is now the city's Guoxing Avenue. The airport is operated by Hainan Meilan International Airport Company Limited.
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