Cambodia celebrated a major milestone in its aviation and tourism sectors yesterday with the official launch of the first scheduled flight connecting Phnom Penh and Tokyo, operated by Air Cambodia, the national carrier.
The new route, which includes a stopover in Fuzhou, Fujian province, China, marks a significant step forward in strengthening Cambodia–Japan relations and revitalising post-pandemic travel.
The inaugural ceremony at Techo International Airport was presided over by Tourism Minister Huot Hak and attended by Mao Havannal, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, Zhan David, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Cambodia, and Charles Van, Managing Director of Cambodia Airport Investment Co Ltd. (CAIC), along with officials from both the public and private sectors.
Minister Hak hailed the event as a “historic moment” for Cambodia–Japan relations, emphasising the importance of the new route in enhancing tourism, trade, and investment between the two countries.
“This new route will make travel more convenient, encourage more Japanese visitors to discover Cambodia’s rich culture and natural beauty, and create new opportunities for cooperation,” Hak said.
“The Ministry of Tourism will continue to work closely with SSCA, Japanese partners, and airlines to further promote tourism and direct flight services. We extend a warm welcome to all Japanese tourists and hope that the relationship between the two countries will grow further.”
Meanwhile, SSCA Minister Mao Havannal highlighted that the launch represents another achievement of the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) and its partners in restoring international air connectivity after disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He noted that in 2019, before the pandemic, Cambodia welcomed around 200,000 Japanese air passengers and tourists.
“Today’s flight launch ceremony also symbolises the fruitful success of the friendship and cooperation between our two countries in all sectors,” Havannal said, expressing gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their ongoing support.
Havannal also revealed that in the first nine months of 2025, Cambodia handled over 5.1 million international passengers, a 14 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a steady recovery in the aviation sector.
According to Air Cambodia, the new Phnom Penh–Tokyo service via Fuzhou operates three times weekly—on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The new air route is expected to enhance connectivity, promote tourism, and foster deeper cultural and economic ties between the two nations.
