Hainan Airlines will launch three weekly direct flights between Haikou, the capital of China's Hainan province, and Phnom Penh from December 12, adding another air connection between Cambodia and China and creating new travel opportunities for tourists, businesspeople and investors.
The service will operate three round trips weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The new route is expected to improve travel convenience between the two destinations while supporting Cambodia's efforts to strengthen aviation connectivity with China, an important tourism and investment partner.
Key Facts
Launch date: December 12, 2026.
Airline: Hainan Airlines.
Route: Haikou–Phnom Penh.
Frequency: Three round trips weekly.
Operating days: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Phnom Penh departure: 4:05 pm.
Haikou departure: 1:50 pm.
Flight duration: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes.
Planned extension: Taiyuan–Haikou–Phnom Penh route from December 22, 2026.
Haikou–Phnom Penh Route to Operate Three Times Weekly
According to Hainan Airlines' announcement on November 5, the new international service will connect Phnom Penh with Haikou through three weekly round trips.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) also reported the airline's plan to introduce the route on December 12, providing further confirmation of the scheduled service.
Under the published timetable, flights departing Phnom Penh will leave at 4:05 pm and arrive in Haikou at 7:20 pm. Return flights from Haikou will depart at 1:50 pm and arrive in Phnom Penh at 3:00 pm.
The airline's schedule indicates an approximately two-hour-and-15-minute journey from Phnom Penh to Haikou and two hours and 10 minutes in the opposite direction.
The direct service will give passengers another option for travelling between Cambodia and southern China without transiting through other Chinese cities.
New Route Strengthens Access to Hainan's Tourism Market
Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, serves as an important gateway to the island's tourism industry.
Hainan attracts visitors through its beaches, resorts, shopping and leisure attractions, making the new connection potentially relevant to Cambodian travellers seeking direct access to the island.
For Chinese visitors, the route also provides another direct connection to Phnom Penh, supporting travel for tourism, business and other purposes.
The additional service is expected to improve travel flexibility while potentially reducing the time and costs associated with connecting flights.
Hainan Airlines Plans Extension to Taiyuan
Hainan Airlines has also announced plans to extend the service to Taiyuan, the capital of China's Shanxi province, from December 22.
Under the planned arrangement, the route will operate as Taiyuan–Haikou–Phnom Penh, linking another Chinese provincial capital with Cambodia through Haikou.
The extension would provide an additional connection for passengers travelling between Phnom Penh and northern China, although the published information does not specify further details about the operating schedule or flight arrangements.
Cambodia Welcomes Expansion of Aviation Cooperation with China
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, Secretary of State and spokesperson of Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), welcomed Hainan Airlines' plan to introduce the direct Haikou–Phnom Penh service and extend the route to Taiyuan.
Speaking to Khmer Times, he described the development as a positive step in Cambodia–China aviation cooperation, expanding the country's international air connectivity and supporting tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
He also highlighted the role of Techo International Airport as Cambodia's principal international gateway.
According to Vutha, the additional service contributes to the country's objective of developing a competitive, accessible and sustainable aviation sector.
He said the SSCA would continue working with the CAAC, airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to facilitate international air services in accordance with applicable safety, security and regulatory requirements.
He emphasised that stronger air connectivity involves more than adding flights, as it can also create opportunities for economic growth, tourism development, international cooperation and regional integration.
Angkor Times Analysis
The new Haikou–Phnom Penh route adds another direct connection between Cambodia and China, offering potential benefits for tourism, business travel and commercial exchanges.
For Cambodia's tourism industry, direct flights can make destinations more accessible and provide travellers with additional choices. Haikou's position as a gateway to Hainan's tourism market gives the route potential to attract leisure travellers in both directions.
The planned extension to Taiyuan could further broaden connectivity with China's provincial markets, although its commercial impact will depend on passenger demand, flight frequency and the airline's longer-term operating plans.
For businesses and investors, improved air links can reduce travel friction, facilitate meetings and strengthen people-to-people connections. The route's success will ultimately depend on sustainable passenger demand and effective cooperation among airlines, airports and aviation authorities.
Cambodia's broader aviation strategy will benefit from continued expansion of international routes that connect the country with important tourism and economic markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will Hainan Airlines launch direct flights between Haikou and Phnom Penh?
The airline plans to begin operating the route on December 12, 2026.
2. How many flights will operate each week?
The service is scheduled to operate three round trips weekly, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
3. What time will flights depart from Phnom Penh?
According to the published schedule, flights from Phnom Penh will depart at 4:05 pm and arrive in Haikou at 7:20 pm.
4. What time will flights depart from Haikou?
Return flights will depart Haikou at 1:50 pm and arrive in Phnom Penh at 3:00 pm.
5. Will the route connect to another Chinese city?
Hainan Airlines plans to extend the service to Taiyuan from December 22, operating a Taiyuan–Haikou–Phnom Penh route.
6. Where can passengers check ticket availability?
Passengers can consult Hainan Airlines' official website and booking platforms for ticket availability, fares and schedule updates.