Tourism Minister Thong Khon has urged China to introduce direct flights from its cities to Cambodia, targeting those currently without such links. This call aims to leverage Cambodia's future international airport infrastructure, capable of accommodating all passenger airplane types.

Khon made the appeal during a meeting with Rao Quan, Chinese Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, on June 15 at Phnom Penh's Sokha Hotel. The dialogue focused on improving tourism and travel connections between the two nations.

"Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International are at your disposal, particularly the new Siem Reap International Airport slated to open by year-end 2023. A fresh Phnom Penh International Airport will also be operational either late 2024 or early 2025," Khon announced.

Quan vowed to communicate Khon's proposal and the meeting's contents to pertinent Chinese ministries, institutions, and authorities for consideration. He further expressed an inclination to extend direct flights from cities already linked to Cambodia and initiate fresh connections for those airports lacking direct routes.

The deputy minister conveyed optimism over the potential increase in direct flights. "We see an opportunity to attract more visitors from China to Cambodia and vice versa, as well as from other countries," Quan said.