Kazakh carrier SCAT Airlines has confirmed plans for a new non-stop service between Prague’s Václav Havel Airport and Sanya on China’s Hainan Island, with inaugural flights slated for March 2026 and ticket sales opening this week. Announced at a Prague seminar on 24 November, the route will operate twice weekly using Boeing 737-MAX 9 aircraft configured with both business and economy cabins.
For Czech exporters and tour operators the link offers faster access to one of China’s fastest-growing leisure and duty-free shopping hubs. Prior to the pandemic, passengers faced at least one connection in Beijing, Urumqi or Almaty; the new flight cuts typical journey times by four to five hours and removes the need for mainland Chinese transit visas.
![Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines to Launch Direct Prague–Sanya Route, Deepening Asia Links]()
Corporate-travel analysts also see strategic value for manufacturing supply chains. Czech electronics and automotive suppliers with plants in southern China have long complained about limited belly-cargo capacity via Frankfurt and Doha. SCAT says it will reserve up to three tonnes of freight space per rotation, enough for urgent spares and high-value components.
The launch dovetails with Prague Airport’s wider push to diversify beyond Western European hubs. New slots have already been filed for 2026 services to Abu Dhabi, Chicago and Marrakech, while negotiations continue with Korean Air for a Seoul relaunch.
Practical tip: business travellers from EU member states still need a Chinese visa for Sanya; however, Hainan operates a 30-day visa-on-arrival regime for 59 nationalities, including Czech citizens, provided they book through an accredited travel agency—an option mobility managers may want to explore for short project trips.
For Czech exporters and tour operators the link offers faster access to one of China’s fastest-growing leisure and duty-free shopping hubs. Prior to the pandemic, passengers faced at least one connection in Beijing, Urumqi or Almaty; the new flight cuts typical journey times by four to five hours and removes the need for mainland Chinese transit visas.
Corporate-travel analysts also see strategic value for manufacturing supply chains. Czech electronics and automotive suppliers with plants in southern China have long complained about limited belly-cargo capacity via Frankfurt and Doha. SCAT says it will reserve up to three tonnes of freight space per rotation, enough for urgent spares and high-value components.
The launch dovetails with Prague Airport’s wider push to diversify beyond Western European hubs. New slots have already been filed for 2026 services to Abu Dhabi, Chicago and Marrakech, while negotiations continue with Korean Air for a Seoul relaunch.
Practical tip: business travellers from EU member states still need a Chinese visa for Sanya; however, Hainan operates a 30-day visa-on-arrival regime for 59 nationalities, including Czech citizens, provided they book through an accredited travel agency—an option mobility managers may want to explore for short project trips.
