In honor of the 2025 "China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchange," which celebrates the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Sanya—the southernmost city of Hainan Island—has opened direct flights to two of Vietnam’s aviation hubs: Ho Chi Minh City (June 15) and Hanoi (June 16). Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways will operate both routes twice weekly on Airbus A321 aircraft.

Two direct air routes between Sanya and Vietnam have been launched. (Photo: Hinews)

Initial flights recorded booking rates in excess of 95%, demonstrating strong Vietnam market interest in Sanya.

This development follows a sustained outreach by Sanya to Southeast Asia in recent years. The tropical city has invited travel agents, media, and business delegates to explore local market advantages and policy incentives. The new direct flights are projected to attract more Southeast Asian resources, bolstering tourism, cross-border education programs, and business exchanges.

As a key gateway of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Sanya is fast becoming an international aviation hub. As of June 16, 2025, the city is connected to 25 global destinations via 31 international routes.

Going forward, Sanya plans to diversify the city’s international tourism portfolio, with a focus on consolidating Central Asian markets (such as by increasing frequency on the Sanya-Astana route) and expanding European and American markets (with plans underway for a Sanya-Bangkok-Frankfurt route under the Fifth Freedom of the Air).