Air Cambodia Launches First Scheduled Flight from Phnom Penh to Tokyo, Boosting the Economic Ties, Tourism Growth and Cultural Exchange in Between Cambodia and Japan

Cambodia has just achieved a historic milestone in its aviation industry as well as its tourism industry with the launching of its inaugural scheduled flight between Phnom Penh and Tokyo. The national airline company, Air Cambodia, will operate the new route, which is set to be a game-changer in cementing Cambodia–Japan diplomatic relations, boosting tourism opportunities, and improving economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

A Historic Event at Techo International Airport

The inaugural ceremony of the Phnom Penh–Tokyo flight took place at Techo International Airport and was a highly anticipated event. It was attended by key officials, including Tourism Minister Huot Hak, Mao Havannal, Minister of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), Ueno Atsushi, Japan’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Zhan David, CEO of Air Cambodia, and Charles Van, Managing Director of Cambodia Airport Investment Co. Ltd. (CAIC). The event was a momentous occasion that highlighted the strong bilateral cooperation and shared goals between Cambodia and Japan.

Minister Huot Hak emphasized the importance of the new air route in further enhancing tourism, trade, and investment between the two nations. He described the route as a “historic moment” that would not only make travel more convenient but also provide more opportunities for Japanese visitors to explore Cambodia’s rich culture and natural beauty. This new connection offers the tourism industry a significant boost, especially as the world moves towards post-pandemic recovery and increased international travel.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Promoting Tourism and Trade

This new air route marks a significant step forward in strengthening Cambodia’s tourism industry, which has shown great resilience in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cambodian government has expressed its optimism about how this flight will help boost the number of Japanese visitors, a group already familiar with the kingdom’s cultural and historical landmarks. Japan’s long-standing friendship with Cambodia has already seen significant trade and investment exchanges, and this new flight is expected to further accelerate these areas.

Minister Hak also highlighted the opportunities for increased trade, pointing out that Japan is one of Cambodia’s most important economic partners. He expressed hope that the new route would pave the way for new partnerships, leading to increased business opportunities, especially in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

Reconnecting Cambodia to Global Travel Networks

The launch of this flight is part of Cambodia’s efforts to restore international air connectivity following the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Minister Mao Havannal spoke about the country’s achievements in the recovery of the aviation sector, noting that Cambodia welcomed over 5.1 million international passengers in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 14% year-on-year increase compared to 2024.

Before the pandemic, in 2019, Cambodia welcomed nearly 200,000 Japanese tourists. With the introduction of this new route, the Ministry of Tourism aims to see these numbers increase significantly, further cementing Cambodia’s role as a regional tourism hub.

Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience for Travelers

The Phnom Penh–Tokyo route will operate three times a week—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—giving travelers a convenient schedule for both business and leisure trips. The flight, which includes a stopover in Fuzhou, Fujian Province (China), will open up additional connectivity options, allowing travelers to connect to other destinations in China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

The frequency of the flight is set to meet the demands of Japanese business travelers looking to visit Cambodia, while also catering to tourists wishing to explore Cambodia’s diverse cultural heritage and scenic beauty. It is also expected to serve as a gateway for Cambodian travelers to explore Japan and nearby destinations in East Asia.

A Step Towards Stronger Cultural Exchange

Beyond the economic and trade benefits, the new flight route is expected to deepen the cultural exchange between Cambodia and Japan. Cambodia, with its rich history, ancient temples, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a unique cultural experience for Japanese tourists. Meanwhile, Japanese culture, known for its technological innovation, art, and traditions, will provide ample opportunities for Cambodia to learn and engage more closely with one of Asia’s leading economies.

Cultural exchange will not only help boost tourism but also create opportunities for educational collaboration, people-to-people connections, and tourism-related events such as film festivals, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals.

A Glimpse Into Future Cooperation

Looking ahead, the launch of this new air route sets the stage for even greater cooperation between Cambodia and Japan. As bilateral relations continue to evolve, the Cambodian government is exploring further aviation partnerships with Japan and other countries, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen regional connectivity and tourism networks. The government is committed to working closely with airlines, tourism organizations, and private-sector partners to increase the number of direct flights and expand air travel routes that will make Cambodia more accessible to the world.

The flight is just one of the many steps Cambodia is taking to position itself as a key player in Southeast Asia’s aviation and tourism industries, attracting more international tourists, businesses, and investors. The introduction of this direct flight not only improves connectivity but also shows Cambodia’s commitment to the post-pandemic recovery of global tourism.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Cambodia and Japan for a Brighter Future

In summary, the opening of the Phnom Penh–Tokyo route is an important breakthrough for Cambodia’s aviation sector and tourism market. The direct flight improves air connectivity, provides new opportunities for business, and deepens cultural exchange between Cambodia and Japan. With increasing cooperation in trade, tourism, and investment, this route is a testament to the robust alliance between the two nations, signifying the dawn of a new era of cooperation and mutual development.

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