Air Cambodia, the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, is set to expand its international network with a new route linking Phnom Penh and Osaka, Japan. Scheduled to launch around October 2025, the new service will connect Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, with a stopover in Fuzhou, China (FOC).
This move comes after the airline received formal approval from aviation authorities in Cambodia, China, and Japan on April 4, 2025, to operate the PNH–FOC–KIX route. The flights will be operated four times per week — every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday — using Airbus A321 aircraft.
Strengthening Cambodia-Japan Air Connectivity
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, Secretary of State at the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), confirmed that the necessary clearances have been secured. “If everything progresses smoothly, Air Cambodia is likely to commence flights between Phnom Penh and Osaka in October,” he said.
The route represents a significant step in rebuilding direct air connectivity between Cambodia and Japan, following the suspension of ANA’s direct flights during the Covid-19 pandemic. From 2016 to 2020, All Nippon Airways (ANA) operated direct flights between the two countries, which were halted mid-2020 and have yet to resume.
Japanese Tourist Arrivals on the Rise
The new route is expected to boost tourism and business travel between Cambodia and Japan. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million international visitors in 2024 — a 22.9% year-on-year increase. Among them, 112,718 were Japanese nationals, marking a 30.4% rise compared to 2023.
Economist Hong Vanak from the Royal Academy of Cambodia noted that expanded air routes not only facilitate tourism but also strengthen international trade ties and signal robust economic development. “This growth in flight connectivity highlights the airline’s operational momentum and the broader prospects for Cambodia’s economic engagement,” he said.
Air Cambodia’s Growth and Fleet Expansion
Air Cambodia is demonstrating strong growth across multiple metrics. In 2024, the airline achieved a 29% increase in total revenue, 19% growth in passenger numbers, and a 49% surge in cargo revenue compared to 2023. The momentum is expected to continue in 2025, with projected increases of 43.4% in revenue, 49% in passenger traffic, and 29.5% in flight frequency.
In support of its growing operations, Air Cambodia will receive a new ATR 72-600 aircraft (MSN 1716) in May 2025. The aircraft will enhance the airline’s regional fleet and operational efficiency. Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the SSCA and Chairman of Air Cambodia’s Board, will travel to Toulouse, France, for discussions with ATR executives on safety and to attend the aircraft handover ceremony.
Expanding International Reach
In addition to domestic flights, Air Cambodia currently operates international services to key cities in:
- China: Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Nanning, and Hong Kong
- Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc
- Thailand: Bangkok
- India: New Delhi
The upcoming Osaka route will further strengthen Cambodia’s position as a regional air travel hub.
Cambodia’s Aviation Sector Shows Strong Recovery
Cambodia’s three international airports handled 17,434 flights in the first quarter of 2025, up 19% year-on-year. Passenger numbers reached 1.96 million — also a 19% increase — while cargo throughput reached nearly 20,000 tons, marking a 10% rise.
This recovery underlines the resilience and rapid rebound of Cambodia’s aviation and tourism sectors, bolstered by strategic airline route expansions such as Air Cambodia’s Osaka service.
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties
Cambodia-Japan trade relations are also on an upward trajectory. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $2.16 billion, a 20.1% increase from 2023. Cambodian exports to Japan totalled $1.41 billion, while imports from Japan stood at $752 million.
The launch of a new air route to Osaka is poised to further energise trade, tourism, and investment opportunities between the two nations, marking another milestone in Cambodia’s economic growth and international integration.
