On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Preah Sihanouk province in Cambodia marked a significant milestone in its ongoing development journey: the launch of a brand-new direct flight route between its Sihanouk International Airport and Xiamen City, located in China’s Fujian province. The event, which saw 147 passengers board the inaugural flight ZA687 operated by Sky Angkor Airlines, drew local officials, business leaders, and tourism stakeholders, all eager to witness what many hope will be a turning point for the region’s connectivity and economic prospects.
Presiding over the ceremony at Sihanouk International Airport in Ream commune, Kampong Som city, was Governor Mang Sineth. According to AKP, Sineth emphasized the broader significance of the new route, stating that it "reflects Cambodia’s continued development and the growing importance of Preah Sihanouk as a tourism and investment destination." He also underscored that expanding air connectivity is a strategic priority for the Cambodian government, aimed squarely at attracting more visitors and investors to the province.
Sky Angkor Airlines is set to operate the Xiamen route at a frequency of one flight per week, providing a direct and convenient travel option between the two cities. With this addition, Preah Sihanouk now boasts direct air links to six major Chinese destinations: Xiamen, Shenzhen, Wuxi, Chengdu, Macau, and Kunming. The province also maintains international routes to Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as daily domestic flights, according to AKP’s reporting.
For the people and businesses of Preah Sihanouk, this new connection is more than just another flight—it’s a symbol of the region’s rising profile in Southeast Asia. As reported by local media, the province is renowned for its natural attractions, from pristine islands to sun-kissed beaches. These scenic assets have long made it a magnet for tourists, but the government’s recent push to expand air connectivity is designed to unlock even greater opportunities in tourism, trade, and investment.
Governor Sineth did not mince words about the importance of this strategy. He reiterated that "expanded air connectivity is a critical government priority, as it helps to attract both visitors and investors." This sentiment was echoed throughout the inauguration ceremony, where officials highlighted how the new Xiamen route would open doors for increased travel, tourism, and business investment between Cambodia and China.
China has consistently ranked as one of Cambodia’s largest source markets for tourists, and with the new direct flight making travel even more convenient, expectations are running high. According to local sources, the route is anticipated to significantly increase the number of Chinese visitors to Preah Sihanouk, driving demand for accommodation, tourist services, and local businesses. This, in turn, is expected to provide substantial economic benefits for the region, as tourism-related revenue flows into hotels, restaurants, and other service providers.
But the benefits of the new connection are not limited to tourism alone. As reported in coverage of the event, the increased air connectivity is also poised to boost trade relations between Cambodia and China. The direct flight will enable more efficient movement of goods and services, creating new opportunities for business collaboration and investment in sectors such as hospitality, real estate, and infrastructure development. Observers suggest that this could spur a fresh wave of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Chinese companies eager to tap into Preah Sihanouk’s emerging tourism and commercial sectors.
The launch of the Xiamen route is, in many ways, a testament to the deepening economic and diplomatic ties between Cambodia and China. As the two countries continue to strengthen their partnership, initiatives like this direct flight play a crucial role in facilitating not only tourism growth but also broader trade cooperation. By expanding its international reach, Preah Sihanouk is positioning itself as a top destination for Chinese tourists and investors, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering greater cultural exchange between the two nations.
Security and stability have been central talking points for Governor Sineth and his administration. At the inauguration, Sineth emphasized that the province’s growing network of flight connections is a reflection of its strong security and stability—qualities that are essential for attracting long-term tourism and investment. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to maintaining public security, environmental protection, and public hygiene, all of which are vital to supporting sustainable tourism and investment.
"The provincial administration is committed to maintaining security, environmental protection, and public hygiene to support sustainable tourism and investment," Sineth stated, according to AKP.
With Preah Sihanouk’s beaches, islands, and natural beauty drawing ever-growing numbers of visitors, the need for sustainable tourism practices has never been greater. The local government has made it clear that conservation efforts and the development of eco-friendly tourism infrastructure are high on the agenda. Such measures are intended to preserve the region’s natural charm and prevent overdevelopment, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy its unique appeal.
Looking ahead, the new direct flight to Xiamen is widely seen as a milestone that will benefit not just the tourism sector, but the broader economy of Preah Sihanouk. Local businesses are expected to thrive as more tourists arrive, and the influx of foreign investment will likely accelerate the development of new hotels, resorts, and other infrastructure projects. The hope among provincial leaders is that, with a focus on sustainability, the region’s growth will be both rapid and responsible.
As the first flight from Xiamen touched down in Preah Sihanouk with 147 passengers on board, optimism ran high among officials and business owners alike. The sentiment was perhaps best captured by the governor’s remarks at the ceremony: "The new route reflects Cambodia’s continued development and Preah Sihanouk’s growing significance as a tourism and investment destination."
With expanded air connectivity, a commitment to sustainable growth, and a clear focus on strengthening ties with China, Preah Sihanouk is charting a course for a brighter, more prosperous future—one where its natural beauty and economic potential can be fully realized by visitors and investors from across the globe.