Phnom Penh (VNA) - Cambodia Airports, which has been developingthree international airports in the country, is looking forward to seeingtravellers back to the Kingdom despite strict government health measures and aprolonged suspension of tourist visas to foreigners, according to theKhmer Times.

France’s VINCIAirports, which is a shareholder of 70 percent of Cambodia Airports, said thatthe situation has slightly returned to normal because some countries havelifted their travel bans.

“Our sister companies start resuming their commercial flights atthe beginning of June. Strong health and safety measures have been implementedat all our airports, such as the obligation to wear a mask throughout all thejourney and at the airport. In Cambodia, we are looking forward to seeingtravellers return,” the company said.

Cambodia Air Communications and Public Relations Director Khek Norinda said byemail on June 18 that air traffic has remained largely tepid and only a fewairlines have been operating with reduced frequencies since the beginning ofthe viral outbreak.

“Some airlines have considered restoring flights to Cambodia in the next threemonths pending better market conditions and countries easing travel and borderrestrictions,” he said.

Norinda said while the company fully supports the government’s policy to combatthe spread of COVID-19, this recent measure may give the perception thatvisiting Cambodia is costly.

Cambodia’s tourism and aviation have been gravely threatened by newrequirements imposed by the government that require foreigners to pay a 3,000 USDreturnable deposit. Many say this would kill the tourism and aviationindustries.

However, the government said that it will not charge Cambodians holding foreignpassports for laboratory testing and medical treatment while foreign diplomatsare allowed to self-quarantine upon arrival in the Kingdom.

Chea Aun, spokesman of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation,said early this month that there were about 200 to 300 passengers enteringCambodia per day.

Since Cambodia lifted the ban on people from six countries, including Iran,Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the US on May 20, the number has increased by20-300 per day.

Cambodia’s threeinternational airports welcomed 11.6 million passengers last year, a 10.2percent increase from 2018, according to a report from Cambodia Airports./.