Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK): Guide & Tips

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

Nestled on China’s sun-kissed tropical island of Hainan, Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) serves as much more than a mere transit point. Operating as a critical aviation hub connecting mainland China with Southeast Asia and beyond, HAK has transformed into a high-tech, ultra-modern powerhouse. With booming passenger numbers and expanding international routes, Meilan Airport mirrors Hainan’s rapid rise as a global free-trade and tourism hot spot.

Dual-Terminal Dynamics

Meilan Airport operates via two major hubs—Terminal 1 (T1) and the expansive Terminal 2 (T2)—which work in tandem to handle tens of millions of travelers annually:

• Terminal 1: Primarily handles domestic routes (outside of specific carriers) and boasts classic, efficient regional connectivity.
• Terminal 2: Opened to airdrop the airport into a new era of capacity, T2 spans roughly 300,000 square meters. It accommodates major carriers like Hainan Airlines and China Southern Airlines alongside a rapidly growing portfolio of international flights.

A frequent free shuttle bus service runs 24/7 between the two buildings, ensuring seamless transfers for connecting passengers.

Engineering Marvel and Capacity Growth

To keep pace with exploding demand, the airport’s Phase II expansion project introduced a massive Code 4F-rated second runway capable of handling the world’s largest commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A380.