The crew of the maiden flight between Haikou and Manila celebrates the opening of the new air route. [Photo/Chinanews.com]

A non-stop flight from Haikou to Manila, capital of the Philippines, opened service at Haikou Meilan International Airport on May 29.

The air route was the first between cities in Hainan and the Philippines after the new visa-free entry policies for overseas visitors from 59 countries and regions took effect on May 1.

Using a 155-seat A320 airplane, the new flight operates each Tuesday and Saturday. It takes off in Haikou at 10:30 pm and arrives in Manila at 1:10 am local time. It departs at 6:45 pm on the same day and reaches Haikou at 9:30 pm local time.

The flight will mainly serve inbound tourism. Each flight will take at least 100 overseas visitors to Hainan and the total number throughout the year is expected to reach 12,000. 

To build an airline network layout with a higher global perspective and promote the development of Hainan's international air tour industry, the airport will soon open new routes linking Haikou with popular tourist cities such as Moscow in Russia, Langkawi in Malaysia, and Nha Trang in Vietnam.

Passengers of the maiden flight between Haikou and Manila deplane at Haikou Meilan International Airport on May 29. [Photo/Chinanews.com]