Vietnam Joins China as Hainan Airlines Launches Direct Ho Chi Minh City–Haikou Flights to Connect Southeast Asia

Published on December 16, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The launch of Hainan Airlines’ direct flight service between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Haikou, China, on December 15, 2025, marks a significant milestone in enhancing air connectivity between Southeast Asia and China’s Hainan Island Free Trade Port. This new route is expected to cater to the growing demand for tourism and business travel between the two economic hubs, benefiting both countries by fostering greater ties in trade, culture, and tourism.

Who Will Benefit from the New Ho Chi Minh City–Haikou Flight Route?

The new direct flight route will directly benefit travelers from both Vietnam and China, particularly those traveling for business or leisure. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city and a commercial hub, is a key economic player in Southeast Asia. Haikou, the capital of Hainan Island, has recently emerged as a vibrant destination for tourism and international trade, especially following the island’s status as a Free Trade Port. The direct flight will not only offer greater convenience for residents of both cities but also boost tourism from both sides, facilitating easier travel between these two key economic centers.

What Are the Key Details of the Ho Chi Minh City to Haikou Flight Route?

The flight, which operates non-stop between Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City and Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), is designed to strengthen both tourism and business ties. This new service, scheduled to operate two round-trip flights weekly, is expected to provide vital connections for both nations.

Key Route Details:

The direct flight route will serve as a vital transport link for Vietnamese tourists wishing to visit Hainan Island, which offers a visa-free stay of up to 30 days for citizens of 59 countries. This makes Hainan an increasingly attractive option for international tourists, providing access to its tropical landscapes and growing cultural attractions.

When and How Often Will the Flights Operate?

The direct flight service will operate two times per week, specifically on Mondays and Fridays. This schedule offers business travelers the flexibility of starting or ending their week with a quick flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Haikou. The flight duration is relatively short, taking approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes from Haikou to Ho Chi Minh City, with a return flight taking around 2 hours.

This direct service is expected to cater to the rising number of both Vietnamese and Chinese travelers looking to explore the burgeoning opportunities on Hainan Island or for those wanting to deepen the cultural and economic connections between the two regions.

Why Is This Flight Service Strategically Important?

The introduction of this new route holds strategic significance for both the tourism and business sectors. It serves as a critical link between Ho Chi Minh City and Hainan, further opening up travel to the island, which is now a Free Trade Port with global reach. The increased accessibility will likely lead to an increase in Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese tourists traveling to Hainan, driven by the island’s booming tourism sector.

Hainan Island is known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and expanding free trade zone, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers. The new route will also serve as a catalyst for trade, allowing smoother connections between businesses in Ho Chi Minh City and Haikou.

What Are the Broader Trends in Hainan Airlines’ Route Network Expansion?

Hainan Airlines has been actively expanding and restoring its international route network, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, and its Ho Chi Minh City–Haikou service is just one example of the airline’s broader efforts. Other recent expansions by Hainan Airlines include direct services to cities such as Nha Trang in Vietnam, Auckland in New Zealand, and Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. These routes have been designed to strengthen the airline’s presence in Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Here is a snapshot of Hainan Airlines’ expanding network:

Other Notable Direct Destinations Launched or Restored by Hainan Airlines

How Will This Impact Tourism and Business Connections?

The launch of this direct flight route is expected to have a major impact on both tourism and business connections between Vietnam and Hainan. With Hainan Island becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists, particularly those from Southeast Asia, this new route will make it more convenient for tourists to travel between the two regions. Furthermore, business travelers will have increased access to Hainan’s growing Free Trade Port, facilitating trade and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Travel Between Vietnam and Hainan Island

The Ho Chi Minh City–Haikou direct flight service by Hainan Airlines is a welcome addition to the growing air connectivity between Southeast Asia and China. By providing a non-stop link between these two important destinations, the new route will boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. As travel demand continues to grow between Vietnam and China, this new route is set to play a key role in the expansion of Hainan Island’s international tourism market and strengthen the ties between these dynamic regions.