• Economics

Cambodia-Indonesia Flights to Boost Trade and Tourism

• By Meng Seavmey
• April 11, 2023 4:10 PM

PHNOM PENH – Direct flights between Jakarta and Phnom Penh will start on April 19 and are expected to boost trade and tourism between Cambodia and Indonesia.

The flights will be operated by Air Asia Indonesia.

Tourism Ministry Secretary of State Thong Rathasak said at the launch on April 10 that Cambodia welcomed more than 2.28 million international tourists in 2022, generating about $1.4 billion.

Of these, more than 75,000 were Indonesian, an increase of nearly 800% compared with 2021.

In the first two months of this year, Cambodia welcomed more than 837,000 international tourists, of whom nearly 20,000 were Indonesians. The country is expected to receive 4.5 million international tourists with over 150,000 Indonesians by 2023.  

“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to the Indonesian government and all relevant stakeholders for the cooperation and support extended to the Tourism Ministry in enhancing the social economic development, especially in tourism sector,” Rathasak said.

Direct flights were in line with the “Visit Cambodia Year 2023” campaign and with the country’s readiness in hosting the 32nd SEA Games and the 12th ASEAN Para Games from May 5-17 and from June 3-9 respectively.

Lauti Nia Astri, the Chargés D’affaires ad interim of the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh, said the direct flights will shorten the travel distance and improve the countries’ economies, trade ties and tourism.

Indonesia welcomed 1,588 Cambodian visitors in the first two months of 2023, compared with 4,604 Cambodian visitors in the same period of time in 2022, she said. Indonesian visitors to Cambodia totaled 75,653 in the same year.  

“We can see the core of the willpower of our two countries in inclusiveness, solidity, mutual support, and a common determination to advance the region, especially through our economies,” she said.

Direct flights would have a major effect on increasing trade and business, she added.

Veranita Yosephine, CEO of Air Asia Indonesia, said people can now fly from Phnom Penh to Jakarta in less than three hours without having to stop at other airports.

Direct flights would hopefully facilitate further connections between Cambodia and Indonesia.

Cambodia has direct flights from 12 counties and 37 cities. Rathasak said Cambodia had invited other airlines such as the Citilink and Garuda also to have direct flights between Cambodia and Indonesia.

In the first three months, Cambodia received and operated 494 flights. Among which, 368 flights were at  Phnom Penh International Airport, 118 in Siem Reap International Airport, and eight in Sihanouk International Airport, Rathasak said.