Hainan Sanya Airport Breaks Record with 2185 Million Passengers in 2025

Sanya Phoenix International Airport in Hainan Province has achieved a remarkable milestone, setting a new record for passenger volume in 2025. According to a report by state broadcaster China Central Television, the airport has welcomed a total of 21.849 million passengers this year as of Saturday.

This represents a 5.8 percent increase from the previous year, underlining the growing significance of Hainan as a key player in global travel. Furthermore, the airport registered 133,599 takeoffs and landings this year, reflecting a 7.0 percent rise in operational activity compared to the previous year.

The rise in passenger numbers is noteworthy, particularly for international travel, which has soared to 895,000 passengers. This marks a substantial increase of 46.6 percent year-on-year and emphasizes the increasing allure of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) for international travelers.

Enhancing its international connectivity, Sanya Airport currently operates 41 international routes that link 32 destinations across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Europe. The expansion of the "Air Silk Road" network, with Sanya as a central hub, continues to play a pivotal role in facilitating connectivity with countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

The momentum gained by Sanya Airport extends beyond passenger volume to include cargo throughput, which reached 113,000 tons, signifying a 16.3 percent increase. This uptrend showcases the airport's growing importance not only for tourists but also for trade and commerce.

On a related note, the inaugural day of special customs operations saw duty-free shopping sales for international travelers total 161 million yuan, equating to approximately 22.87 million U.S. dollars. This figure reflects a 61 percent year-on-year increase, demonstrating strong consumer interest.

The number of shoppers hitting the duty-free stores reached 24,800, a 53.1 percent rise, while the total number of items purchased surged by 25.5 percent to 118,000. These trends not only bolster the local economy but also highlight the attractiveness of Sanya as a tourist destination.

Overall, the record-breaking passenger numbers at Sanya Phoenix International Airport underscore the transformative role of Hainan as a global Free Trade Port. The region is poised for continued growth in both tourism and trade as it strengthens its international links.