Sanya Phoenix International Airport is an international gateway serving the city of Sanya and the rest of Southern Hainan Island, which is where most of Hainan’s best tropical beaches and most luxurious resort hotels are located. The airport is the 20th busiest airport in China.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport serves the city of Sanya and the rest of Southern Hainan Island. The airport code is SYX.
Sanya is the second largest city in Hainan, which is located in Southeastern China. Hainan is China’s largest island and smallest province.
Most of Hainan’s most popular beaches and beach resorts are located in or near Sanya along Dadonghai, Sanya Bay, and Halong Bay.
Sanya Airport is one of two international airport in Hainan. The other is Haikou Meilan International Airport, which is located on the island’s northern coast.
Sanya Airport is the second busiest airport in Hainan after Hakou International Airport.
Sanya Airport is the 20th busiest airport in China, handling 19,389,936 passengers in 2017, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Airlines and Flight Information
Sanya Phoenix International is served by approximately 40 airlines, including 12 foreign air carriers, with flights to roughly 80 Chinese and regional travel destinations.
Domestic airlines link the airport with Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and several other domestic travel destinations.
Domestic airlines also fly to such international travel destinations as Bangkok, Thailand; Cam Ranh, Vietnam; Delhi, India; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Moscow, Russia; Pattaya-U-Tao, Thailand; Phuket, Thailand; Phom Penh, Cambodia; and Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Foreign airlines link the airport with such travel destinations as Hong Kong, Korea, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Ukraine.
Hainan Airlines is the airport’s dominant air carrier, accounting for the lion’s share of the air field’s flights.
The airport’s runway is 11,200 feet long and can accommodate the largest jumbo jets.
Passenger Services
Sanya Phoenix International Airport has numerous shopping and food and beverage outlets.
Foreign currency exchange services are offered opposite the baggage claim area in the airport’s international arrivals hall.
The counter operates two hours before the arrival and departure of international flights.
Ground Transportation
Sanya International Airport is served by taxis, airport buses, and high-speed rail.
- Taxis – There are taxi stands outside the arrival hall of the domestic terminal (entrance 3) and to the right of the arrival hall of the international terminal. Taxi rates are 8 yuan at flag fall. The approximate fare to the railway station is 30 to 40 yuan. The approximate fare to downtown Sanya is 40 to 60 yuan. The approximate fare to Dadonghai is 60 to 80 yuan. The approximate fare to Yalong Bay is 100 to 120 yuan. For long distance travel, it is recommended to negotiate taxi fares in advance.
- Buses – The Sanya Phoenix International Airport Shuttle Bus runs hourly from 10 am to 8 pm. From 8 pm to 2 am, the buses operate every 30 minutes. Buses depart from the No. 1 gate of the arrival hall of the domestic airport terminal.
- Railway – The Sanya Phoenix Airport Railway Station is located north of the airport terminal. The railway connects the airport with frequent high-speed rail service to several spots along the Eastern side of Hainan Island, terminating in Haikou, the provincial capital.
Airport Location
Sanya International Airport is located 15 kilometres or nine miles northwest of downtown Sanya.
A Passenger’s Guide to Sanya Phoenix International Airport is the second in a series of passengers’ guides to Chinese airports.
Did you happen to notice if the place was any good for plane spotting?
I can’t remember. I was on a press trip, and we were ushered about. What I do remember is that the airport was open air with lots of wood – unlike most of the other airports I’ve been to in China.
Ok thanks.