Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province, launched two direct air routes to Malaysia on October 11, 2026, connecting Haikou Meilan International Airport with Penang and Kota Kinabalu. The new services provide additional travel options between China and Malaysia, supporting tourism, business travel and cultural exchanges between Hainan and Southeast Asia.
The Haikou-Penang route, operated by Hainan Airlines using Boeing 737-series aircraft, runs every Wednesday and Sunday. The Haikou-Kota Kinabalu route, operated by 9 Air with Boeing 737-series aircraft, follows a rotating schedule of three flights every two weeks, operating on Friday and Sunday in one week and Wednesday in the next.
The new connections offer travelers more opportunities to explore Hainan's tropical beaches, coastal attractions and local culture, while making it easier for Malaysian visitors to discover Haikou. The mutual visa exemption policy between China and Malaysia also supports cross-border travel between the two destinations.
As of October 2026, Haikou Meilan International Airport had served 28 overseas cities through 45 international passenger routes. Its expanding network strengthens Hainan's connectivity with international markets and creates more opportunities for visitors to experience the island province.