Shanghai-based Spring Airlines inaugurated its first flight from Xi’an, China to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) on December 29. Tourism ministry
The resurgence of Chinese tourists to Cambodia has driven domestic and international airlines to expand flight routes connecting major Chinese cities to the Kingdom. On December 29, Shanghai-based Spring Airlines inaugurated its first flight from Xi’an, China to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH).
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The launch ceremony was attended by key figures, including Minister of Tourism Huot Hak, Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) Mao Havannall, and other prominent officials.
Speaking at the event, Havannall highlighted that the new route is a significant addition to the airline’s existing services.
He said that while the airline already operates four weekly flights between Shanghai and Phnom Penh, the Xi’an-Phnom Penh route is its latest offering.
“Indeed, Chinese tourists are increasing, and flights from China are expanding today,” he remarked.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), told The Post on December 30 that international arrivals, particularly from China, have surged over the past year compared to 2023, noting, however, that the numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels.
She underscored that the introduction of additional flights reflects confidence in the growth of Chinese tourism to Cambodia.
“Currently, Cambodia receives numerous flights daily from various Chinese cities, operated by both local and international airlines, especially Chinese carriers,” Sivlin said. “However, most of these flights land at [PNH], while flights to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville remain relatively few compared to pre-2020 levels.”
“In the tourism sector, we truly hope to see more flights from all destinations landing at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport [SAI], as many foreign visitors want to see Cambodia’s ancient temples that are hundreds or even thousands of years old,” Sivlin added.
She explained that the expanded connectivity aims to support the country’s efforts to revitalise its tourism industry and accommodate the rising influx of visitors from China.
The welcoming ceremony for passengers arriving on Spring Airlines flights from Xi’an at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). Tourism ministry
Sivlin reported that Chinese tourists visiting Cambodia typically stay for an average of five days, spending approximately $600 per visit.
Anheng Sokpheak, president of the Cambodia Chinese Tour Guide Association (CCTGA), observed a significant rise in Chinese tourist numbers over the past year.
He noted that the large and dynamic Chinese tourism market, coupled with more direct flights, is expected to contribute substantially to Cambodia’s economy.
He highlighted that Chinese tourists, alongside other international visitors, primarily favour Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville as their destinations of choice.
“Increasing the number of flights is a positive point for Cambodia’s tourism sector, especially for Chinese tourists,” Sokpheak said. “We hope that by early 2025, more foreign tourists, particularly from China, will travel to Cambodia.”
“I support and welcome the rise in flights connecting major Chinese cities to Cambodia, and I hope additional routes will make it even more convenient and appealing for Chinese tourists to visit,” he added.
According to the tourism ministry, Cambodia received six million foreign visitors from January to November, a 22% rise compared to the 4.92 million recorded during the same period in 2023. Among these, Chinese tourists ranked third with 769,775 visitors, a 54.5% increase year-on-year.
In 2019, Cambodia recorded its highest number of foreign arrivals at 6.61 million, a 6.6% increase from 2018. Of these, Chinese tourists accounted for 2.36 million, reflecting a 16.7% rise and making up 35.7% of the total foreign visitors.
