The new flight will not only facilitate the flow of tourists but also support business and trade relations between Cambodia and China.
Sihanouk International Airport (KOS) Tuesday welcomed the successful arrival of Ruili Airlines’ inaugural flight from Kunming, China.
The flight, which landed to a warm reception, will operate a twice-weekly service between Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) and Sihanouk International Airport.
The new route will operate every Tuesday and Saturday, providing a convenient and direct link for travellers between the two countries.
The launch of this new service is a testament to the growing demand for air travel between Cambodia and China, said Sok Phea, Deputy Governor of the Preah Sihanouk province.
“The new flight will not only facilitate the flow of tourists but also support business and trade relations, further solidifying the strong ties between Cambodia and China,” he said.
Eighty-five passengers on board were greeted with gifts and a welcome dance performed by locals.
Vann Nora, representative from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, expressed congratulations to Ruili Airlines and all partners involved in making this new route happen.
“This new service is a vital addition to our network and plays a crucial role in our strategy to rebuild international air traffic to Sihanoukville,” Nora said.
“As more Chinese tourists visit the province, they would promote the province’s tourism potential back to their homeland.
So, more flights are expected to connect to Sihanoukville soon,” he said.
Ruili Airlines, a growing force in the Chinese aviation sector, expressed its enthusiasm for the new route. The airline sees great potential in the Cambodian market and is committed to providing safe, comfortable, and efficient travel for passengers.
The inauguration of the Kunming-Sihanoukville service is a positive development for Sihanoukville’s economy, particularly its tourism sector, which has been steadily recovering.
The new connection is expected to contribute to an increase in visitor arrivals, boosting local businesses and creating new opportunities.
Cambodia Airports, in its Facebook post, said that Sihanouk International Airport welcomed Ruili Airlines’ inaugural service from Kunming on August 26, 2025.
“The twice-weekly connection, operating every Tuesday and Saturday, strengthens air links between Cambodia and China and supports the ongoing restoration of Sihanoukville’s international air connectivity. Congratulations to everyone involved,” it said.
According to the latest flight schedule from the Cambodia Airports, Sihanouk International Airport currently serves both domestic and international airlines from Vietnam’s Saigon, Thailand’s Bangkok, China’s Wuxi and Kunming, and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur.
Figures from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation showed that Cambodia received 4.08 million air travellers in the first seven months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 16 percent.
Source: Khmer Times
