Hainan Airlines doubles Moscow‑Haikou flight frequency: what’s changed for tourists

Why Hainan has become a popular destination

The island of Hainan traditionally attracts Russian travelers during the cold months. From November to April it is almost always dry, the sun shines almost every day, and sea temperature stays around 25 °C, making beach holidays comfortable even in winter. These climatic conditions make Hainan one of the most sought‑after places for autumn‑winter vacations.

How the air connection has changed

Starting on 3 September 2026, Hainan Airlines expanded the schedule of direct flights from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport to the island’s capital – Haikou. Previously the flights operated three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays). Now flights on Thursdays and Sundays have been added, bringing the total to five weekly services. All flights are operated with modern Airbus A330‑300 aircraft, which can carry a large number of passengers and luggage.

What drove the decision to increase frequency

The rise in flights is directly linked to higher demand for the route. According to Russia’s largest airline, the load factor on China‑bound flights at the beginning of 2026 reached about 91 %. Such a high figure shows that seats fill up quickly, especially ahead of the peak season.

In December last year, Zhang Te, CEO of Hainan Airlines’ Moscow representative office, announced plans to expand the flight programme. He said the airline aims to add at least two extra flights to the existing three per week, with the ideal goal of daily service. The September schedule is the first implementation of that strategy.

How this affected the tourism market

The increase in direct flights boosted the overall capacity of the route. During the summer of 2026 the number of direct flights from Russia to Hainan grew by roughly 24 % compared with the previous year, and passenger capacity rose by 34 %. Tour operators working with Hainan Airlines note that seats are sold out long before the season starts, especially by large operators such as PAX and Russian Express. Industry forecasts point to a 50 % rise in tourist flow to the destination.

Benefits for travelers

With the new September flights, tour operators can build winter‑high‑season programmes earlier than usual. This widens the choice of departure dates for tourists, allowing more convenient vacation schedules. Moreover, the higher frequency reduces the risk of overbooked flights and makes booking more flexible.

It is also worth noting that Russian citizens enjoy visa‑free entry to China for up to 30 days, simplifying trip planning and making the journey more accessible.

What to consider when planning a trip

• Seasonality – the optimal time to visit Hainan is from November to April, when the weather is most stable and comfortable.
• Booking – because of high demand, seats may be sold out well in advance, especially before the New Year holidays and school breaks.
• Flight duration – Moscow‑Haikou flights are long‑haul, meaning a lengthy journey, but the modern fleet offers the chance to rest comfortably in‑flight.
• Tour programmes – the expanded schedule lets operators offer more varied tours, including combined itineraries that visit several Chinese regions.

Summary

The increase in Hainan Airlines’ Moscow‑Haikou flight frequency is the airline’s response to growing interest among Russian tourists in Hainan. The new schedule of five weekly flights improves the destination’s accessibility, eases vacation planning and creates extra opportunities for tour operators. The visa‑free regime for Russians makes the trip even more attractive. If you are looking for a warm place for a winter getaway, Hainan should be high on your list.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.