Malaysia-Cambodia direct flight signals strong bilateral ties

Cambodia Airways announced the launch of its inaugural direct flight from Phnom Penh to Kuala Lumpur, slated for April 11, 2024. The announcement came during a joint press conference held at the Malaysian embassy in Phnom Penh on March 15, 2024. The launch has been hailed as a pivotal moment towards bolstering bilateral relations, by Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim.

Speaking at a joint press conference held at the Malaysian Embassy, Ambassador Hashim emphasized the importance of this development in enhancing ties between Malaysia and Cambodia. “The launch of this flight is a milestone for Malaysia-Cambodia bilateral relations, as this signifies the importance of Malaysia as a tourist and lucrative business destination to Cambodia,” he stated, underlining the profound significance of this direct air link.

Economic implications and future cooperation

Highlighting the economic interdependence between the two nations, Ambassador Hashim pointed out Malaysia’s role as one of Cambodia’s top trading partners and a major contributor to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country. He emphasized that the direct flight would serve as a catalyst for fostering closer diplomatic ties that have been established since 1967.

Moreover, the ambassador stressed the potential for further strengthening people-to-people ties and strategic cooperation between Malaysia and Cambodia. He outlined various sectors including security and defense, tourism, technology, digital advancement, finance, halal food, and energy security as areas where collaboration could be expanded.

“It will also open up the potential for many fields where the two countries will boost economic and investment ties,” Ambassador Hashim added, referring to discussions during Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet’s recent visit to Malaysia on February 27, 2024. During the visit, both premiers explored avenues for cooperation, including the establishment of the Cambodia-Malaysia Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Flight details and accessibility

On the operational front, Bai Guo Wei, a representative from Cambodia Airways, disclosed plans for the flight’s commencement on April 11, 2024. The service will operate thrice a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Notably, promotional fares starting at USD 105 for one-way trips and USD 164 for round trips are being offered, making travel between the two capitals more accessible.

In addition, Guo Wei hinted at the company’s intentions to expand its direct flight services to other Malaysian destinations, such as Penang, further facilitating connectivity and fostering economic exchanges between Cambodia and Malaysia.

The launch of the Phnom Penh-Kuala Lumpur direct flight represents a tangible manifestation of the enduring friendship and burgeoning partnership between Malaysia and Cambodia, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity in the years ahead.