On December 21, 2025, Hainan Province in the Chinese mainland marked a milestone for its Free Trade Port by launching its first Europe route under the seventh-freedom traffic right. Operated by Kazakhstan's SCAT Airlines, the new service links Sanya with Prague, opening direct skies between the two regions without requiring a return flight to the airline's home base.
Seventh-freedom rights allow a foreign carrier to transport passengers or cargo between two countries without touching its own territory. For the Hainan Free Trade Port, this means accelerated access to Central Europe, enhancing its appeal as a global node for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
For travelers and digital nomads, the Sanya-Prague connection offers a seamless journey from tropical beaches to European historic squares. Business leaders and entrepreneurs can now tap into new markets more efficiently, while thought leaders see potential for cross-border collaboration in sustainability and innovation.
Local officials view the new route as a catalyst for economic diversification, expecting the direct link to drive growth in hospitality, logistics, and international conferences. As the Hainan Free Trade Port phases in more seventh-freedom routes, the aviation landscape is set to evolve, reshaping how young global citizens explore the world.
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Hainan FTP launches 1st air route under seventh-freedom traffic right
cgtn.com
