PHNOM PENH: AirAsia Cambodia is set to bolster its regional presence with the introduction of a new direct flight connecting Siem Reap to Singapore. The inaugural service is scheduled for November 9, 2024.

As a leading low-cost carrier with a vast network spanning over 130 destinations, AirAsia offers unparalleled connectivity to popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations worldwide. Cambodia, a key market for the airline group, stands to benefit significantly from this expansion.

Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, emphasized the airline’s commitment to enhancing ASEAN connectivity. The new route to Singapore marks a significant step towards reviving Cambodia’s tourism industry and facilitating international travel to and from the country.

“While our existing direct services to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore continue to be popular, we are also excited about the opportunities presented by our extensive network. Our convenient Fly Thru services to China, Japan, Australia, India, and beyond enable more travelers to explore Cambodia at competitive prices,” Bo Lingam stated.

Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia, outlined the airline’s ambitious plans to expand its network further, offering passengers more choices and value. He highlighted the strong demand and growth potential in key international markets, including Singapore.

“Since launching our services in May 2024, we have witnessed robust demand and significant opportunities for growth. Singapore is just the beginning of several new destinations we plan to introduce soon, including the possibility of a direct route between Phnom Penh and Singapore,” he said.

“We are dedicated to supporting Cambodia’s tourism and economic development goals, aligning with Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet’s vision of establishing more direct flights from major global tourist destinations. These new services will contribute to boosting our local economy and tourism sectors, including job creation in the hospitality industry,” Nam added.

H.E. Prak Sophoan, Governor of Siem Reap province, welcomed the announcement as a significant step towards reviving Cambodia’s foreign tourism numbers post-pandemic.

“Cambodia offers a diverse range of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, and we look forward to collaborating with AirAsia to attract more travelers from around the world,” he said.

In the first eight months of 2024, Siem Reap received over 650,000 international tourists, representing a 31% increase compared to the same period in 2023.