Direct Sanya-Tashkent flights operated by Uzbekistan's national flag carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, officially resumed on April 7. According to information from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, the route operates twice a week—on Tuesdays and Fridays (Beijing Time)—on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

An Uzbekistan Airways passenger jet touches down at Sanya Phoenix International Airport on April 7, marking the official return of the Sanya-Tashkent route. (Photo courtesy of Sanya Phoenix International Airport)

Due to the expanding benefits of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Sanya has seen a surge in demand from Russian-speaking travelers arriving for leisure and business since the start of 2026. In response, the airport has ramped up flight frequencies to major hubs in the region, including Moscow, Minsk, and Astana, significantly streamlining travel for international visitors. A spokesperson for the Sanya Tourism Board noted that connections made by carriers like Uzbekistan Airways do more than just build vital air bridges - they serve as a strong testament to the city's growing global appeal and open-door policies.

Since flag carriers represent the prestige of their home nations, their route networks are key indicators of a destination's global connectivity and status as an aviation hub. To date, Sanya has successfully attracted a growing roster of international flag carriers, including Aeroflot, Belavia, Air Astana, and Lao Airlines.