Hainan's tropical island gateway serving China's premier resort city.
Opened
1994
Location
Sanya, China
Sanya Phoenix International Airport (IATA: SYX, ICAO: ZJSY) is the primary commercial airport serving Sanya, a major tourist and resort destination on China's Hainan Island. It handles tens of millions of passengers annually and is one of the busiest airports in southern China, driven largely by domestic leisure travel.
The airport has undergone significant expansions to meet growing demand, with a second terminal and additional runway capacity added over the years. It serves as an important hub for travel to Hainan Free Trade Port, which China has been developing as a globally significant free trade zone.
Sanya Phoenix International Airport handles a high proportion of domestic routes connecting Sanya with major Chinese cities, as well as a growing number of international routes to destinations in Southeast Asia, Russia, and other regions popular among Chinese and foreign tourists.
Terminals
The airport operates two passenger terminals, with Terminal 2 opened to handle the significant growth in passenger traffic in recent years.
Getting to & from
Passengers can travel between the airport and central Sanya via taxi, airport shuttle buses, and ride-hailing services, with the journey to the city center taking approximately 20–30 minutes.
Airlines here
Major carriers including Hainan Airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines operate services at Sanya Phoenix International Airport.
Notable facts
- ›Located on Hainan Island, sometimes called China's Hawaii due to its tropical climate and beach resorts.
- ›Hainan Island's designation as a Free Trade Port has boosted international passenger demand at the airport.
- ›The airport handled over 20 million passengers annually before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traffic.
- ›A high proportion of flights are domestic, reflecting Sanya's status as a premier Chinese holiday destination.
- ›The airport is located approximately 13 kilometers west of Sanya city center.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
