Flights Return as Chinese Tourists Flock Back to Sihanoukville

[geovalin]

MoT

 

Ruili Airlines has restarted its weekly direct flights between Wuxi, China and Cambodia’s coastal Preah Sihanouk province, marking a major step forward for post-pandemic tourism recovery.

 

The first flight landed on Sunday at Preah Sihanouk International Airport, carrying 126 Chinese tourists. Greeted with a traditional Chhay Yam dance and a welcome ceremony led by local authorities, the visitors were the first to arrive on this revived route since it was halted due to Covid-19.

 

Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism hailed the move as a significant boost to both the national economy and diplomatic ties. “This is an important step for the country’s tourism and economy,” said Tourism Minister Huot Hak, noting the potential benefits for both leisure and business travellers.

 

China has emerged as Cambodia’s third-largest source of foreign visitors, following Thailand and Vietnam. In 2024, nearly 850,000 Chinese tourists visited the Kingdom — a 55% rise from the previous year. Authorities are optimistic that figure will top one million in 2025, helped by strong bilateral relations and ongoing promotional efforts under the ‘Year of Tourism’ partnership.

 

Cambodia Airports, which operates the Sihanoukville hub, described the resumption as a milestone in restoring air links. The Wuxi–Sihanoukville route is serviced by a Boeing 737-800 and is expected to enhance regional accessibility.

 

Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenbin also welcomed the development, calling it beneficial for both tourism and cross-border business.

 

As Cambodia continues positioning itself as a rising destination in Southeast Asia, the revival of direct flights is seen as a key step towards reinvigorating its coastal tourism hotspots — with Sihanoukville, once quiet during the pandemic, now firmly back on the map.

 

-2025-05-20