Envoy hopeful of more direct flights from Phl to Cambodia

PHNOM PENH – The Philippine ambassador in Cambodia is confident there will be more direct flights between the two Asian countries, apart from the current Manila-Siem Reap route, which is six hours away by land from this capital.

Ambassador Noe Wong expressed optimism there will be another memorandum of agreement, paving the way for Cebu Pacific’s thrice a week Manila-Siem Reap direct flight.

“We just hope that direct flight from Manila to Siem Reap will sooner or later establish another direct flight, maybe from Manila to Phnom Penh because there are more Filipinos here in Phnom Penh than in Siem Reap,” he said.

The Gokongwei-owned airline started its maiden direct flight to Siem Reap last April 19, increasing tourism and trade in both countries.

Wong said this was a result of the joint commission for bilateral cooperation (JCBC) where the Philippines and Cambodia are members, and where the “special air services agreement” was reached.

Cebu Pacific flies direct from Manila to Siem Reap thrice a week - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.