Cambodia Investment Review
Air Cambodia has officially launched its first direct service between Sihanoukville and Shenzhen, strengthening air connectivity between Cambodia and one of China’s most important commercial hubs. The inaugural flight on September 25 flew with near-capacity passengers in both directions, highlighting rising demand for travel and business ties.
The new route is the only direct connection between the two cities and complements existing services from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to Shenzhen. Industry observers view this as a step toward diversifying Cambodia’s international gateways, especially with Sihanoukville’s growing role as a logistics and investment hub.
Expanding Routes Under Cambodia-China Cooperation
The launch also comes under the banner of the “2025 Cambodia-China Tourism Year,” a bilateral initiative aimed at boosting travel flows and cultural exchange. As the country’s flag carrier, Air Cambodia has been steadily adding routes that support government goals to increase international arrivals and business opportunities.
Looking ahead, the airline is preparing to introduce another high-profile route on October 26, connecting Phnom Penh, Fuzhou, and Tokyo. This multi-destination service will directly link Cambodia and Japan via one of China’s coastal economic centers, creating new options for both business and leisure travelers.
Market Implications
Direct flights to secondary Chinese cities are becoming increasingly important for Cambodia’s tourism and investment sectors. Industry stakeholders note that easing travel between Chinese commercial centers and Cambodia’s provinces could provide a boost to local economies, particularly in areas like Sihanoukville, where industrial development and tourism projects are underway.
The Phnom Penh–Fuzhou–Tokyo route is also being closely watched, as it signals Air Cambodia’s ambition to establish itself not only as a domestic carrier but also as a regional connector in Asia’s competitive aviation market.
