Local budget airline AirAsia Cambodia plans to initiate domestic flights connecting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville from May 2, aiming to tap into the growing number of flights among these destinations.
The airline – a joint venture between Malaysia-based AirAsia and Cambodian-owned Civilai Asia – announced in a March 18 press release that flights to all three destinations will operate daily and are now open for bookings, with “6,000 free seats” available between May 2, 2024, and March 29, 2025.
AirAsia Cambodia CEO Vissoth Nam mentioned in the release that the flights will provide affordable fares for passengers, contributing to the recovery of the tourism sector after being severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.
“[We] are introducing affordable fares to Cambodia, enhancing connectivity and encouraging longer stays in the country.
“Our vision is to transform travel in Cambodia and integrate air travel into the country’s transportation network, offering value fares, exceptional service and strong connectivity starting with these three destinations,” he said.
Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia chapter, told The Post on March 18 that the airline’s launch for domestic flights will provide more options for travellers and boost domestic tourism to these key destinations.
“The routes connecting Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and the coastal areas is a good start, offering more convenience and time-saving travel. The affordable fares will be another attraction for people,” he said.
Vissoth believes that the launch is timely, given the considerable growth in Cambodian air travel and tourism.
“We are confident that AirAsia Cambodia will reshape the country’s aviation landscape, aiding the local economy by creating jobs and supporting the government’s goals for economic and tourism development,” he added.
According to the airline, its extensive international network will connect the three capital-provinces to over 130 destinations across Asia and beyond, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia, via hubs in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur and Thailand’s Bangkok.
In 2023, Cambodia welcomed over 5.4 million foreign visitors, an almost 140% increase from 2022, with visitors from Thailand, Vietnam, China and Laos comprising nearly 70% of the total, as per the Ministry of Tourism.