SANYA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Terminal 3 of Sanya Phoenix International Airport in the tropical resort city of Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, officially went into operation on Friday, a move expected to enhance the airport's operational support capabilities during the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush.

This photo taken on Jan. 10, 2025 shows a C919 jetliner on the tarmac at Sanya Phoenix International Airport in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province. (File photo: Xinhua)

With the new facility, the total terminal area of the airport has expanded to 228,000 square meters, while its annual passenger throughput is expected to reach 30 million, according to the airport.

The new terminal opening marks a key step in the airport's expansion and the upgrade of its operational mode, the airport said.

Trial operations of the new terminal began on Feb. 1, with Hainan Airlines moving four routes to the facility.

Starting Feb. 8, the airline plans to transfer all its outbound flights from Sanya to Terminal 3. It also eyes a future increase in flight volume at the new terminal to relieve operational pressure on Terminals 1 and 2.

Sanya Phoenix International Airport is a key transport hub for the Hainan Free Trade Port, connecting Sanya with destinations at home and abroad.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, falls on Feb. 17 this year.