On November 15, 2024, flight HU735 departed from Haikou Meilan International Airport (hereinafter referred to as “Meilan Airport”), under Hainan Holdings, bound for Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Haikou-Dubai route is officially launched, becoming the second UAE route opened by Meilan Airport this year, following the Abu Dhabi route. This new connection creates favorable conditions for deepening cooperation between the Hainan Free Trade Port and the Middle East. Notably, 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, with mutual visa exemption now in effect, making short-term travel more convenient for passengers.

        With the addition of the Dubai route, Meilan Airport now operates 39 international and regional passenger routes in 2024, connecting to 24 international and regional cities, including Bangkok, Singapore, Moscow, and Seattle. Moving forward, Meilan Airport will continue to focus on its goal of becoming a regional gateway hub for the Pacific and Indian Oceans, densifying its domestic route network, expanding its presence in international markets, and actively promoting the implementation of seventh freedom rights. These efforts aim to contribute to enhanced global connectivity for the Hainan Free Trade Port.