In coordination with the construction of Hainan International Tourism Island, Hainan Airlines will open more international air routes to attract more tourists, the airline announced Monday.

The move is keeping up with an increase in demand. The island's two international airports, Haikou Meilan and Sanya Phoenix, saw a substantial rise in January of the number of travelers passing through over previous January travelers. Haikou's passenger throughput in January was 42.5 percent greater than January 2009, while Sanya recorded a high of more than 1 million travelers.

The airline already offers flight services to Hanoi, Bangkok, Taipei and Hong Kong. It hopes its advantageous location will increase its importance as an international and regional transfer station.