Dragonair flight plan put on hold
DRAGONAIR is reviewing plans to launch Hongkong's first direct service to Phnom Penh because of growing uncertainty about Cambodia's political future.
The airline had hoped to begin operating the route after Cambodia's general elections, scheduled for May.
Dragonair's general marketing manager Robert Yih said yesterday that the carrier would monitor the situation until after the election before committing itself.
Mr Yih expressed concern over recent actions by the Khmer Rouge and thought there was now doubt as to whether an election would take place in May.
He was also concerned whether facilities and equipment at Cambodia's main airport, Pochentong, would be satisfactory.
A lot of the equipment at the airport is operated by the United Nations, and this is due to end after the election.
Dragonair's proposed operation would be the first direct service from Hongkong.
''The country is reconstructing and we foresee quite a demand from business and tourist travellers from Hongkong,'' said Mr Yih.
