In an era of increasing economic globalization and international connectivity, the facilitation of air travel has become a crucial factor in promoting regional exchange. The recent launch of a direct flight route between Sanya Phoenix International Airport in China and Samara in Russia marks a new chapter in commercial and tourism exchanges between the two regions.
On October 13, 2023, the inaugural flight operated by I-Fly Airlines touched down at Sanya Airport, carrying 310 passengers from Samara aboard an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The new route will operate twice weekly, with flights scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays. The round-trip journey takes approximately 18 hours and 20 minutes, with the following flight schedule:
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Inbound flight F79729:
- Departure from Samara: Tuesday 21:10 and Saturday 7:00 (Beijing Time)
- Arrival in Sanya: Wednesday 5:50 and Sunday 15:40
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Outbound flight F79730:
- Departure from Sanya: Wednesday 5:30 and Sunday 0:15 (Beijing Time)
- Arrival in Samara: Wednesday 15:10 and Sunday 9:55
This new air connection not only brings fresh tourist resources to Sanya but also significantly enhances the city's international profile. Samara serves as a major transportation hub in Russia, linking Central and Eastern Europe, Siberia, and Central Asia, providing residents of both regions with more convenient exchange and trade opportunities.
The establishment of this route is expected to foster cultural exchanges between China and Russia while creating new tourism and business prospects for citizens of both Sanya and Samara. Against this backdrop, Sanya Phoenix International Airport continues to expand its international route network, reflecting the city's growing importance in the global aviation market.
Furthermore, this development strengthens cooperation between China and Russia under the Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating deeper bilateral exchanges. The new air link signifies increasingly close ties between Sanya and Russia, paving the way for additional international routes that will inject fresh momentum into regional cooperation and development.
