HAIKOU /China/, October 14. /TASS/. The resort city of Sanya in China’s southern province of Hainan has launched a regular direct air route with Minsk, the capital of Belarus, according to the news portal Zhongguo Xinwenwang.

The portal reported that passenger flights between Sanya and Minsk are operated by Belavia on Wednesdays in both directions. As noted by the airline’s CEO Igor Cherginets, cited by the portal, due to strong demand for tickets on this route, starting November 1 flights will be operated twice a week.

Official data indicate that Phoenix International Airport in Sanya currently operates 36 international passenger routes. This network of air connections, directly linking the Chinese resort to 27 foreign cities, continues to expand to include more countries — among them Russia and many states and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. Local authorities plan to actively leverage the transportation advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port to further strengthen external ties.