AirAsia Cambodia marked a significant milestone in its regional expansion today with the launch of its inaugural flight from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City. The new route, which offers four weekly return services, aims to provide more than 1,400 additional seats weekly between the two cities, enhancing accessibility and supporting economic and tourism growth in both Cambodia and Vietnam.
The inaugural flight, which departed Phnom Penh International Airport at 11:50 AM local time, was met with a celebratory greeting from Captain Rajesh Gill of AirAsia Cambodia. Passengers on board were also given traditional ‘Krama’ scarfs as a token of the occasion. Shortly after, the return flight from Ho Chi Minh City took off at 1:25 PM, marking the beginning of regular operations on the new route.
Strengthening Regional Business Travel
This new service is seen as a strategic move to enhance connectivity between Cambodia and Vietnam, two neighboring countries that are integral to the broader Mekong tourism belt. By linking Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City with direct flights, AirAsia is providing an essential transport link that is expected to significantly ease business travel between the two cities. “Cambodia and Vietnam are neighboring countries that form a key part of the Mekong tourism belt, offering international travelers seamless connections between iconic destinations,” said Vissoth Nam, CEO of AirAsia Cambodia. “The launch of direct flights between the largest cities in Cambodia and Vietnam will enable greater accessibility, value, and choice for both national and international tourists.”
Vissoth Nam further emphasized the benefits for business travelers, noting that the new route provides increased convenience for individuals and companies in both nations. “We are confident that the new route between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City will prove to be popular and successful. Importantly, we also are witnessing solid demand from the AirAsia Group of airlines, which connect Cambodia and Vietnam to over 130 destinations in Asia, Asia Pacific, and beyond at great value fares,” he said. The route is expected to facilitate easier business exchanges between Cambodia and Vietnam, further supporting the growing trade ties and investment opportunities between the two countries.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
AirAsia Cambodia’s expansion reflects the airline’s broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity. With the addition of this new route, the airline is poised to cater to the increasing demand for affordable travel options between Cambodia and Vietnam. Vissoth Nam highlighted the airline’s commitment to regional economic growth, stating, “This route not only connects travelers to two of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cities but also supports both countries’ tourism sectors by providing more affordable and accessible travel options.”
In addition to benefiting business travel, the new route is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism industries of both nations. AirAsia’s ability to offer competitive pricing and increased flight frequency supports the airline’s role in driving economic growth through tourism. The Phnom Penh-Ho Chi Minh City route is a reflection of AirAsia’s commitment to being a leading low-cost carrier in ASEAN, focused on driving tourism, economic growth, and job creation across the region.
As part of the celebrations, AirAsia Cambodia has launched promotional fares starting at USD 74 for one-way travel between Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City. With this expansion, AirAsia Cambodia aims to strengthen its position as a leading low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia, facilitating greater movement for both business and leisure travelers.
This new route is expected to be a key driver for enhancing ease of business travel between Cambodia and Vietnam in 2025, fostering stronger economic ties and tourism development between the two countries.
