Haikou Meilan International Airport: Guide, Flights & Tips

Gateway to the Tropics: The Evolution of Haikou Meilan International Airport

Positioned on China’s southernmost island province, Haikou Meilan International Airport (IATA: HAK, ICAO: ZJHK) serves as a primary aviation gateway to Hainan—often celebrated as China’s “Oriental Hawaii.” Located roughly 25 kilometers southeast of downtown Haikou, Meilan Airport has evolved from a regional transit stop into a major international aviation hub.

As the Hainan Free Trade Port initiative accelerates global commerce and tourism, Meilan Airport stands at the vanguard, seamlessly blending state-of-the-art infrastructure, high-end retail, and rich island hospitality.

Dual-Terminal Architecture and Capacity

Meilan Airport operates via a dual-terminal system designed to handle surging passenger volumes efficiently:

• Terminal 1 (T1): Primarily handling domestic flights (excluding major anchor carriers like Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines), T1 features a classic, functional U-shaped design that keeps check-in, security, and boarding streamlined.
• Terminal 2 (T2): Opened in December 2021, the massive, H-shaped Terminal 2 marked a monumental leap forward for the airport’s capacity. T2 primarily serves international flights, alongside domestic operations for Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines. Rated as a 4F-class facility, its second runway is wide and robust enough to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, including the Airbus A380.

Redefining the Passenger Experience

Meilan Airport has heavily leaned into transforming traditional transit zones into interactive, experiential spaces. Recognizing that travel should begin the moment a passenger steps into the terminal, the airport frequently rolls out seasonal campaigns featuring thematic family-entertainment zones, cultural-tourism showcases, and localized art installations.