About flights from Haikou (HAK)
Haikou doesn't get the same attention as Beijing or Shanghai, but Meilan International Airport quietly punches above its weight. With 127 direct routes spanning 17 countries, this is a proper hub — not just a regional hop-off point. I've passed through a few times, and what strikes me is how the airport captures the island's dual personality: it's a hub for Chinese domestic travelers heading to Hainan's beaches, and increasingly a connector for international routes that make longer trips genuinely viable. The reach score of 79 out of 99 tells you something real. You're not stuck.
Quick stats for HAK
- Direct destinations: 127
- Countries served: 17
- Continents reached: 3 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,822 km
- Longest non-stop: London (LHR) — 9,640 km (~12h 3m)
- Shortest non-stop: Qionghai (BAR) — 88 km (~7 min)
- Reach score: 79/99
Why fly to Haikou?
China accounts for 107 of the routes out of HAK, which makes sense — Hainan Island is essentially China's Hawaii, and domestic demand is enormous. But dig past that and you'll find connections worth getting excited about. Vietnam shows up with 3 routes, handy if you're planning a Southeast Asia loop. The UAE has 2 routes, which opens doors toward Europe and Africa for the budget-conscious traveler willing to connect through Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Australia gets 2 routes, New Zealand one. Then there's the London Heathrow route — 9,640 kilometers, the longest out of Meilan. That's a serious long-haul option that most people don't associate with a mid-tier Chinese city. On the opposite end, the Qionghai route covers just 88 kilometers. Basically a short hop across the island. The range here is genuinely impressive.
Longest non-stop flights from HAK
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Haikou:
- London, United Kingdom (LHR) — 9,640 km, approximately 12h 3m
- Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) — 9,241 km, approximately 11h 33m
- Sydney, Australia (SYD) — 7,380 km, approximately 9h 13m
- Melbourne, Australia (MEL) — 7,346 km, approximately 9h 11m
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED) — 7,345 km, approximately 9h 11m
Short-haul flights from HAK
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Haikou:
- Qionghai, China (BAR) — 88 km, approximately 7 min
- Zhanjiang, China (ZHA) — 143 km, approximately 11 min
- Yulin, China (YLX) — 281 km, approximately 21 min
- Zhuhai, China (ZUH) — 380 km, approximately 29 min
- Nanning, China (NNG) — 381 km, approximately 29 min
Top countries by direct connections from HAK
Haikou Meilan International Airport connects to 17 countries. Here are the most served:
- China — 107 destinations (Anqing, Baotou, Bazhong, Beijing and 103 more)
- Viet Nam — 3 destinations (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang)
- United Arab Emirates — 2 destinations (Abu Dhabi, Dubai)
- Australia — 2 destinations (Melbourne, Sydney)
- New Zealand — 1 destination (Auckland)
- Thailand — 1 destination (Bangkok)
- Hong Kong SAR — 1 destination (Hong Kong)
- Indonesia — 1 destination (Jakarta)
Where to fly from Haikou
Flights to China
Haikou has 107 direct routes to China:
- Qionghai (BAR) — 88 km
- Zhanjiang (ZHA) — 143 km
- Yulin (YLX) — 281 km
- Zhuhai (ZUH) — 380 km
- Nanning (NNG) — 381 km
- Shenzhen (SZX) — 459 km
- ...and 101 more destinations
Flights to Viet Nam
Haikou has 3 direct routes to Viet Nam:
- Hanoi (HAN) — 505 km
- Nha Trang (CXR) — 891 km
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — 1,093 km
Flights to United Arab Emirates
Haikou has 2 direct routes to United Arab Emirates:
- Dubai (DXB) — 5,649 km
- Abu Dhabi (AUH) — 5,731 km
Tips for travelers at HAK
Meilan sits about 18 kilometers east of the city center. The Airport Express train is your best move — it runs directly to Haikou East Railway Station and costs next to nothing compared to taxis. Speaking of which, negotiate or use DiDi (China's Uber equivalent) to avoid airport taxi markups. Pack your VPN before you land. China's internet restrictions are real, and you'll want it sorted before you're on the ground trying to book your next move. Typhoon season runs roughly June through October, which can affect flights in and out. If you're transiting through on a longer trip, double-check your visa requirements — China's transit rules vary depending on your passport.
Frequently asked questions about flying to Haikou
How do I get from Haikou Meilan International Airport to the city center?
You can take a taxi or ride-sharing app for about 30-40 minutes to downtown Haikou, or hop on the airport bus which is cheaper and runs regularly to major hotels and transport hubs. The metro is also an option if you prefer public transportation.
What's the best time of year to fly to or from Haikou?
October through April offers the most pleasant weather with mild temperatures and less rain, making it ideal for visiting. Avoid the typhoon season from May to September when flights can be delayed and the weather is hot and humid.
How many direct flights can I take from Haikou Meilan Airport?
You have access to 127 direct destinations from Haikou Meilan, giving you excellent connectivity across China and international routes to Southeast Asia and beyond. This makes it a great hub for reaching multiple regions without connections.
Do I need a visa to enter China through Haikou?
Most visitors need a Chinese visa before arrival, though citizens of certain countries may qualify for visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival programs—check with your embassy or the Chinese immigration website for your specific nationality. It's best to arrange this before your trip to avoid delays.
What's a helpful tip for Haikou Meilan Airport?
Download the airport's official app or WeChat mini-program beforehand, as they provide real-time flight info, terminal maps, and can help you get through since English signage is limited in some areas. Also, arrive early as the airport can get busy during peak hours.
Is flying to Haikou affordable compared to other Chinese airports?
Haikou generally offers competitive fares, especially on domestic routes, and you'll often find good deals on flights to Southeast Asia since it's a major regional hub. Booking during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) can save you money compared to peak tourist periods.
Plan your trip from Haikou
Browse the complete list of 127 destinations below to find your next flight from Haikou Meilan International Airport. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.