Hong Kong’s John Lee signals more flights to Cambodia as city aims for closer ties with country

Cathay Group and Hong Kong Airlines sign MOUs with Cambodian counterparts as city leader John Lee looks to make travel ‘more convenient’

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Chief Executive John Lee (left) and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet meet on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

Published: 5:03pm, 31 Jul 2024Updated: 9:52pm, 31 Jul 2024

Hong Kong will increase the number of flights to the Cambodian capital and may open up new routes as part of the deals signed during Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s trip to the country, with flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways providing a daily service to Phnom Penh from late October.

Lee, who met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Wednesday, said both sides had discussed ways to boost tourism, but did not reveal whether there were specific plans for Hong Kong to relax visa requirements for visitors from the country.

“When I met the prime minister and deputy prime minister of Cambodia, we all agreed that the two places will strengthen ties through exchanges and visits of high-level officials, and by organising and promoting business cooperation activities,” Lee said.

Thirteen agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs), involving trade, economic cooperation, innovation and aviation, were signed during the trip.

It was announced at a later event that Cathay Group and Hong Kong Airlines had signed MOUs with Cambodian counterparts.

“With the recent completion of large international airports in Cambodia and Hong Kong airport’s third runway system finishing this year, bilateral aviation capacity will be further enhanced,” Lee said.