Hainan Airlines has your back if you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about a tropical island escape but still need your British tea and sarcasm fix. From 7 May 2025, the airline is launching a brand-new non-stop route from Haikou (HAK) to London Heathrow (LHR) and the best part? No more awkward layovers in Changsha.
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Flight Details for the AvGeeks
Here’s what you need to know before you start plotting your next holiday:
✈ HU7911 – Departs from Haikou at 13:40 and lands in London at 19:30 every Wednesday. Perfectly timed to beat the Heathrow evening rush because nobody enjoys getting stuck behind a delayed A380 full of weary long-haulers.
✈ HU7912 – The return leg lifts off from London at 22:00, touching down in Haikou at 17:05 the following day. That’s just enough time to squeeze in a last-minute Pret sandwich before takeoff and wake up in paradise.
Hainan Airlines, which already has a presence at Heathrow, is making room for this new service by reducing its Haikou – Changsha – London flights from three to two times per week. That means fewer indirect options and more direct flights for those who want to reach the palm-fringed shores of Haikou without the detour.
Why Haikou?
Not familiar with Haikou? Think of it as China’s answer to Honolulu minus the tourist clichés. Located on Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province, Haikou is a tropical hotspot with white-sand beaches, hot springs, and a mind-blowing duty-free shopping scene (we’re talking luxury goods at 30-40% off retail prices).
Fun Fact: Haikou is home to the world’s largest duty-free shopping mall, the Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex. This retail paradise makes Heathrow’s duty-free section look like a corner shop.
Beyond shopping, Haikou is known for its volcanic parks, mouthwatering seafood, and ridiculously photogenic sunsets. Oh, and it’s a haven for surfers, so if you’ve ever fancied catching waves in China, this is your spot.
NEW ROUTE
Hainan Airlines – Haikou to London Heathrow. Flights start 7 May 2025
HU7911 HAK 1340-1930 LHR (Wed)
HU7912 LHR 2200-1705+1 HAK (Wed)
Hainan Airlines’s Haikou – Changsha – London Heathrow reduces from 3x to 2x weekly flights
Flights on sale imminently pic.twitter.com/TcRR43y79v
— Sean M 🌈✈ (@SeanM1997) March 5, 2025
Book Now or Regret Later
Flights are apparently already on sale, although i couldn’t see it, so if you’ve ever wanted to swap London drizzle for Hainan heat, now’s your chance. Whether you’re heading for a tropical holiday, a retail therapy session, or just fancy trying out Hainan Airlines’ service, this new route makes it easier than ever.
