About Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines is a full-service Chinese carrier — think legacy model, not budget — operating out of four hubs with Haikou (HAK) as the official home base. It's not the airline most Western travelers reach for first, which is a mistake. The network runs 686 non-stop routes touching 122 airports, with a total span pushing past 1.6 million kilometers. Domestically, China accounts for 612 of those routes, so this is fundamentally a carrier built around moving people across one of the world's most complex internal travel markets. International routes exist, but they're selective rather than sprawling.
Why fly Hainan Airlines?
The honest reason most non-Chinese travelers end up on Hainan is the MEX-PEK route — 12,436 km of transpacific flying that's genuinely one of the longer non-stops you'll find anywhere. If you're routing between Mexico City and Beijing, your options are limited, and Hainan owns that corridor. Beyond the headline route, the carrier punches above its size on long-haul service quality — it's consistently rated better than you'd expect from a carrier this far outside the SkyTeam/Star Alliance conversation (it's not in either, for the record). For travelers connecting onward through PEK or SZX into the Chinese domestic network, the hub positioning gives you real coverage into cities that larger international carriers simply don't reach.
Hainan Airlines hub airports
- HAK Haikou — 61 Hainan Airlines routes from China
- PEK Beijing — 58 Hainan Airlines routes from China
- SZX Shenzhen — 33 Hainan Airlines routes from China
- XIY Xian — 26 Hainan Airlines routes from China
- CKG Chongqing — 26 Hainan Airlines routes from China
Top destination countries on Hainan Airlines
- China — 612 Hainan Airlines routes
- Mexico — 7 Hainan Airlines routes
- Belgium — 5 Hainan Airlines routes
- Russia — 5 Hainan Airlines routes
- USA — 4 Hainan Airlines routes
- Italy — 4 Hainan Airlines routes
- United Kingdom — 4 Hainan Airlines routes
- France — 3 Hainan Airlines routes
Tips for booking Hainan Airlines
A few things worth knowing before you book. Hainan sits outside the major global alliances, so don't expect your Star Alliance Gold card to open any doors in the lounge. Codeshare and partnership arrangements exist but are limited, meaning redemptions and status recognition require some homework upfront. HAK handles 61 routes as the primary hub, but PEK's 58 routes make it the more practical connection point for international arrivals. If you're flying a domestic Chinese leg onward, book it on the same ticket where possible — separate bookings and tight connections in Chinese airports can get complicated fast. Check baggage allowances carefully; they vary by route type and fare class.
Frequently asked questions about Hainan Airlines
Where does Hainan Airlines fly?
Hainan Airlines operates 686 routes across multiple regions, with a strong presence in China, Mexico, and Belgium. The airline serves both domestic and international destinations, making it a major carrier for travel between Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
What is Hainan Airlines's main hub?
Hainan Airlines's primary hub is Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) in Hainan, China. This hub serves as the airline's main operational and connecting center.
Is Hainan Airlines a full-service or low-cost carrier?
Hainan Airlines is a full-service carrier offering a thorough network and standard amenities across its routes. With 686 routes spanning multiple continents, it operates as a major network airline rather than a budget or regional carrier.
When should I book flights with Hainan Airlines?
For the best fares, book 4–8 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 2–3 months ahead for international routes. Hainan Airlines typically offers multiple fare classes, so compare options based on your flexibility and baggage needs.
What are Hainan Airlines's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; typically economy passengers receive 20–23 kg of checked baggage on international flights. Check-in closes 2 hours before departure for international flights and 1.5 hours for domestic flights; arrive early to allow time for processing.