Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and China Want Better Air Connectivity

The study should be completed by September, 2019 and will shed light on the most efficient ways of enhancing air connectivity between the four countries. It will also help enhance the quality standards of the regional avaition industry and provide the base for further upgrade of air trasnport in the Mekong region. Better air connectivity will help boost the number of tourist arrivals, stimulate the growth of the economy, attract investment and generate jobs.

Currently there is rather limited air connectivity between Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. In certain cases, few existing routes are served by governmental airlines which offer exaggerated prices on air tickets. Low cost carriers still have to make their way to the region. The situation with air commuting between Cambodia and China is much better. Today, there are 28 direct flights which connect Siem Reap and Phnom Penh international airports in Cambodia with cities and towns in China. 

There are three international airports in Cambodia – the already mentioned Siem Reap and Phnom Penh plus Sihanoukville international airport. During the first 10 months of 2018 they welcomed over 8.5 mln passengers, 22% more compared to the same period of 2017. It is expected that before the end of the year the number of foreign visitors to Cambodia entering the Kingdom through its international airports will achieve 10 million mark.

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