Aerial photo shows an overview of the second phase of the expansion of Haikou Meilan International Airport in Hainan province on Nov 29, 2021.[Photo by Wang Chenglong/for China Daily]

The new section of Haikou Meilan International Airport began operations in South China's Hainan province on Thursday. The expansion project, which consists of a new terminal, a 3,600-meter runway, and ground transport facilities, is part of efforts to build an integrated transportation network and boost connectivity with Belt and Road Initiative partners.

Aerial photo taken on Nov 26, 2021 shows a view of the expansion project of Meilan International Airport in Haikou, South China's Hainan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Aerial photo taken on Nov 26, 2021 shows a view of the expansion project of Meilan International Airport in Haikou, South China's Hainan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Passengers check in at Terminal 2 of Meilan International Airport in Haikou, South China's Hainan province, Dec 2, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

A passenger takes photos of the boarding pass at Terminal 2 of Meilan International Airport in Haikou, South China's Hainan province, Dec 2, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

Passengers check in at Terminal 2 of Meilan International Airport in Haikou, South China's Hainan province, Dec 2, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

The new section of Haikou Meilan International Airport began operations in South China's Hainan province on Dec 2, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]

The new section of Haikou Meilan International Airport began operations in South China's Hainan province on Dec 2, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]