Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Cambodia's national airline, Air Cambodia, officially launched its first scheduled direct flight between Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Tokyo, Japan, via a stopover in Fuzhou, on the 26th of this month. The launch of this new route not only marks a new chapter in Cambodia-Japan relations but also injects new vitality into the post-pandemic recovery of air travel.
At the inaugural flight ceremony held at Phnom Penh's Dresden International Airport, Cambodian Minister of Tourism Hua Ha, Minister of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Mao Ha Vanna, and Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia Atsushi Ueno, among other distinguished guests, witnessed this historic moment.
Tourism Minister Hua Ha hailed the new route as a "historic moment" in Cambodia-Japan relations, emphasizing its significance in strengthening bilateral ties in tourism, trade, and investment. "This new route will make travel more convenient, attracting more Japanese tourists to explore Cambodia's rich culture and natural beauty, and creating new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries," Minister Hua Ha said. "The Ministry of Tourism will continue to work closely with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Japanese partners, and airlines to further promote tourism and direct flights. We warmly welcome all Japanese tourists and look forward to the continued deepening of bilateral relations."
Mao Havanna, Minister of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, noted that this inaugural flight is another achievement of the Royal Government of Cambodia and its partners in successfully restoring the international route network following the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that before the pandemic in 2019, Cambodia welcomed approximately 200,000 Japanese air passengers and tourists. The inaugural flight ceremony symbolizes the fruitful friendship and cooperation between the two countries in various fields.
Minister Mao Havanna also revealed that in the first nine months of 2025, Cambodia received over 5.1 million international passengers, a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2024, demonstrating the steady recovery of Cambodia's aviation industry.
According to Cambodia Airways, the newly launched Phnom Penh-Fuzhou-Tokyo route will operate three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This new route is expected to further enhance connectivity between the two countries, promote tourism development, and deepen cultural and economic ties.
