Economy
Air Cambodia, Hainan Airport Partner to Expand Air Connectivity and Boost Tourism Links
PHNOM PENH, June 8, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s national flag carrier Air Cambodia and Hainan Airport Infrastructure have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand air connectivity between Cambodia and China, a move officials said Monday is expected to strengthen tourism, business exchanges and broader economic cooperation.
The agreement was signed by Air Cambodia Vice Chairman and CEO Zhan David and Li Guohong, President of Hainan Development Holdings, the parent company of Hainan Airport Infrastructure.
Under the deal, the two sides will develop a phased expansion plan for passenger routes linking Cambodia and Hainan Province, while exploring cross‑border flights under the Fifth and Seventh Freedoms of the Air to enhance regional connectivity.
Hainan Airport Infrastructure, a major state‑owned operator, manages 11 airports including Haikou Meilan, Sanya Phoenix and Qionghai Bo’ao. The company is working to strengthen Hainan’s role as a regional hub connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Air Cambodia said the partnership comes at a favorable time, as the airline has secured approval to operate Seventh Freedom flights to and from Hainan. Combined with Cambodia’s upcoming visa‑free entry policy for Chinese nationals, the arrangement is expected to stimulate two‑way tourism flows and increase demand for air travel.
To support expansion, Air Cambodia will begin introducing 20 COMAC C909 and 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in phases starting this year. The agreement also establishes a regular communication mechanism to exchange information on aviation policies, border regulations and tourism opportunities, while improving ground services and passenger experience.
The MOU follows discussions in May between Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak and Hainan Governor Liu Xiaoming, during which both sides agreed to advance tourism cooperation and support the launch of direct flights connecting Hainan with Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville.
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