Haikou Airport

Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), whose name translates as "Camellia", is the main aerial gateway to the tropical island of Hainan. Opened in 1999, it has become not just a transport hub, but a symbol of the region's rapid development, connecting travellers from all over the world with the magnificent beaches and unique culture of China. This modern and high-tech complex offers passengers first-class service and comfort from their very first minutes on the island.

Meilan Airport is renowned for its well-thought-out infrastructure and passenger convenience. It consists of two modern terminals (T1 and T2), with a free shuttle bus operating between them. The new Terminal 2, opened in 2021, is capable of handling even the world's largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380. Inside the terminals, travellers will find numerous shops, including a large Duty-Free zone, restaurants serving local and international cuisine, as well as a unique open-air garden where you can relax while waiting for your flight.

One of the key features of the airport is its excellent transport accessibility. Directly from the terminal building, you can access the high-speed railway station, which allows you to quickly reach not only the centre of Haikou (the trip takes about 10-15 minutes) but also other resorts on the island. Additionally, passengers have access to regular shuttle buses to various districts of the city and, of course, taxis, making the journey from the aircraft to the hotel as fast and comfortable as possible.

You can contact the representatives of Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) in several ways. Below are the main contact details for travellers.

• Official Website: www.mlairport.com (the site is primarily in Chinese; an online translator may be required).
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86 898 966114. This is the main number for information about flights, airport services, and general enquiries.
• Address: Haikou Meilan International Airport, Meilan District, Haikou, Hainan, China, 571126.
• Email: A direct email address for general enquiries is usually not published. It is recommended to use the phone or the feedback form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: The airport is actively present on popular Chinese social networks, such as WeChat, where you can find the latest news and updates.
• Lost & Found Information: For questions regarding lost items and luggage, please contact: +86 898 6575 1626.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, passengers can call the main inquiry service at +86 898 966114.

Reaching Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) from the city centre and other areas of Hainan Island is possible via several convenient methods. The airport is located approximately 25 km southeast of the centre of Haikou, and travel time usually ranges from 20 to 60 minutes depending on the chosen transport and traffic conditions.

High-Speed Train: One of the fastest and most convenient ways is to use the high-speed railway. Directly beneath the airport terminal lies the Meilan station, which is part of the Hainan Island Ring High-Speed Railway. Trains run frequently, connecting the airport with Haikou stations and other cities, including Sanya. The trip from Haikou East Station takes only about 15-20 minutes, making this the ideal option to avoid traffic jams.

Shuttle Buses: A budget-friendly and popular option involves special shuttle buses that connect the airport with key points in the city, including the centre, major hotels, and bus stations. Routes and schedules can be found at information counters in the airport. The travel time is about 50-60 minutes, and the ticket price is significantly lower than a taxi.

Taxi: For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with large luggage, you can take a taxi. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 30-40 minutes excluding traffic. The cost will vary depending on the distance and time of day, but it is the fastest "door-to-door" method. It is recommended to use official taxi services and ensure the driver turns on the meter.

Car Rental and Parking: If you plan to move around the island extensively, renting a car can be an excellent solution. Offices of several international and local rental companies operate at the airport. For those arriving in their own or rented vehicles, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are available on the terminal premises. This is a convenient option offering complete freedom of movement during your journey through China.

Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) consists of two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). They serve both domestic and international flights but have different specializations. Before travelling to the airport, it is extremely important to check which terminal your flight departs from, as airlines are distributed between them.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the older airport building. It is smaller in size and mainly serves domestic flights within China, including flights by some budget airlines. Despite its age, the terminal is well-organized and functional, offering all necessary services for passengers. Navigation here is simple thanks to its compact size.

Terminal 2 (T2) is a new, modern, and significantly larger complex opened in 2021. It has become the airport's main hub, serving the majority of international flights, as well as a significant portion of domestic ones. The terminal features futuristic architecture, spacious waiting lounges, a large number of shops, restaurants, and modern amenities, including automated check-in and baggage drop systems.

The airport layout is quite logical: departure zones are located on the upper floors, and arrival zones on the lower ones. Navigation signs are duplicated in Chinese and English, which facilitates orientation for foreign tourists. You can move between terminals in two ways: via a covered pedestrian walkway (the walk takes about 5-10 minutes) or by a free shuttle bus that runs between T1 and T2 at short intervals.

The time required for formalities depends on the terminal and destination. For domestic flights (mainly from T1), it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. For international flights from T2, you should allow more time—at least 3 hours—to calmly pass through check-in, passport control, and security screening, especially during peak hours and national holidays.

Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) is a relatively young but already very significant aviation hub in China. Its history began on May 25, 1999, when it was officially opened for passenger service. The airport was built to replace the old Dayingshan Airport, which was located within the city limits of Haikou and could no longer cope with the growing flow of tourists or expand further. The new airport immediately became the key gateway to the tropical island of Hainan.

From the very beginning of its existence, Meilan Airport demonstrated rapid development rates. It quickly became one of the busiest airports in the country and the main hub for Hainan Airlines. A major achievement in the airport's history was receiving the prestigious 5-star Skytrax rating—it became the first in mainland China to be awarded such a high assessment for service quality, cleanliness, and passenger comfort. It has confirmed this status repeatedly, which speaks to the highest standards of operation.

A key stage in the airport's recent history was a massive reconstruction and expansion. As part of the second phase of the project, a new Terminal 2 and a second runway were built and put into operation in 2021. This allowed the airport's capacity to increase to 35 million passengers and 400,000 tonnes of cargo per year. The modernization was directly linked to the development strategy of the Hainan Free Trade Port, transforming the airport into one of the most important transport hubs in the region.

Among interesting facts, it is worth noting that Meilan Airport is famous not only for its efficiency but also for its unique design. Inside the terminals, real tropical gardens have been created, helping passengers relax and feel the island atmosphere immediately upon arrival. Furthermore, one of Asia's largest duty-free shops is located within the airport territory, making it a popular destination for shopping.

Haikou International Airport (HAK) offers passengers a full range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminals, you will find numerous restaurants, cafes, and beverage outlets to suit every taste—from fast food outlets to restaurants offering local Hainan cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, numerous stores are open, including Duty Free, souvenir shops, boutiques of famous brands, and electronics stores.

For a comfortable rest before departure, passengers can use the premium lounges. Access is available to airline loyalty program members and business class passengers, as well as to all travellers for an additional fee. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport thanks to the presence of bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points. To ensure the safety and health of passengers, a medical centre operates around the clock where first aid is available. Travellers with children will appreciate the comfortable and well-equipped mother and child rooms.

Haikou Airport is well-adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. A barrier-free environment has been created here, including ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can book an escort service in advance. For business travellers, business centres and conference rooms are available. If you have a long layover or an early flight, you can stay at one of the hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

Haikou Airport (HAK) offers passengers diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full meal, you will find a suitable establishment in both terminals, both in the public area (landside) and after passing security control (airside).

The majority of restaurants, cafes, and beverage outlets are concentrated in the departure zones after passport control. Here, both well-known international fast-food chains and restaurants specializing in Chinese cuisine are represented. For those who want to relax with a cup of coffee, coffee shops offering aromatic drinks and fresh pastries are available. In the arrival zone, the selection is usually more modest and limited to a few cafes and snack vending machines.

Once at Haikou Airport, be sure to take the opportunity to try dishes of local Hainan cuisine. Many restaurants offer authentic delicacies, such as the famous Wenchang chicken or dishes made from fresh seafood. This is a great chance to enjoy the flavours of the tropical island without leaving the airport. Also, pay attention to desserts and drinks made from fresh tropical fruits, for which Hainan is famous.

For travellers with specific dietary needs, finding suitable food is possible, although specialized establishments (for example, exclusively vegan or gluten-free) may not be present. In most Chinese restaurants, you can order vegetable dishes or tofu dishes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to clarify the ingredients with the staff in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

The price range at the airport varies. You can find both budget options for a quick snack in food courts and shops, as well as mid-range establishments for a more substantial meal. As in most airports around the world, prices here are slightly higher than in the city. Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

If you are short on time, coffee shops or fast-food points will be the best choice. If you have a few hours before departure, you can comfortably settle into one of the full-service restaurants in the departure zone and enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner in a pleasant atmosphere.

When planning a trip through the airport of Haikou city, use our tips to make your journey as comfortable and predictable as possible. Haikou Meilan Airport (HAK) is a modern and convenient transport hub, but knowing some nuances will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For domestic flights within China, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure. If you have an international flight, it is better to allocate 3-4 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly pass all formalities, including check-in, luggage drop-off, and security control.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. Baggage drop-off counters usually work faster than regular check-in counters. Security services in Chinese airports operate very thoroughly. Be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, including laptops, tablets, and power banks.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If you want to enjoy the views during takeoff and landing, choose a window seat. An aisle seat will provide more legroom and allow you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. For the quietest seats, choose chairs in the front part of the cabin, away from engines and restrooms.

Hand Luggage. Standard international rules apply here too: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Pay special attention to external batteries (power banks): their carriage is permitted only in hand luggage, and the device body must have a clear marking indicating the capacity. Power banks without markings may be confiscated.

Passengers with Transfers. If you have a connecting flight in Haikou, clarify with the airline in advance whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination (through check-in) or if you will need to collect it and check it in again. Leave a sufficient time margin between flights, especially if passport control is required.

Customs Control. When entering or leaving the country, keep your passport, visa (if required), and boarding pass ready. Customs officers may ask standard questions about the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay. If you are carrying large sums of cash or specific goods, familiarize yourself with the declaration rules in advance.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book a transfer from the airport online or use public transport. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you—after passing security control, you can fill it at drinking fountains.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, contact your airline representative first. They will provide up-to-date information and explain your rights regarding meals or hotel accommodation. Haikou Airport has free Wi-Fi, and many cafes and shops that will help pass the waiting time.