PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia’s connection to the world just got a big boost! Turkish Airlines, Türkiye’s main national airline, launched a brand-new direct route between Istanbul and Phnom Penh on Thursday.

The launch of this flight significantly enhances Cambodia’s presence on the global aviation map.

I. Welcoming the Inaugural Flight

A special welcome ceremony for the first flight was held at the new Techo International Airport. The event was attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including:

• H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister in-Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA)
• H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism
• H.E Mrs. Ülkü Kocaefe, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Cambodia
• Mr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of Turkish Airlines

II. A Symbol of Growth and Friendship

This new air service will operate three flights per week using a large Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, starting on December 11, 2025.

H.E. Mao Havannall called the new route not only a key achievement for Cambodia’s aviation sector but also a symbol of the growing friendship and cooperation between Cambodia and Türkiye.

“Through the strategic hub of Istanbul, one of the world’s most important gateways linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Cambodia is now more conveniently connected to global markets, business centres, and cultural destinations,” he stated.

This direct connection confirms Cambodia’s expanding role as a dynamic and connected nation in the region and internationally.

III. Growing Air Passenger Numbers

The launch comes as Cambodia’s air travel sector is already showing robust growth. A recent SSCA report showed that Cambodia recorded a total of 5.66 million international air passengers in the first ten months of 2025, which is a significant 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

READ MORE:

• Cambodia Launches Three New International Airports Worth $3.6 Billion
• Cambodia’s Aviation Boom: 5.7M Travelers in 10 Months Fuels $3.6B Airport Investment
• Firefly Airlines to Launch Direct Flights from Malaysia to Siem Reap

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KANDAL PROVINCE, Cambodia – His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, disembarked this evening from a special aircraft upon his arrival at the Techo International Airport (TIA) in Kandal province.

His Majesty the King returned to the Kingdom following an official visit to Paris, France, where he attended a distinguished event hosted by the prestigious French Academy of Sciences.

Recognition by the French Academy of Overseas Sciences

During his trip to Paris, His Majesty the King received high international recognition. He was formally admitted as an Associate Member of the Academy of Overseas Sciences (Académie des Sciences d’Outre-Mer).

The King’s participation in the official event and his admittance as an Associate Member further strengthens the deep historical and cultural ties between Cambodia and France.

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This data confirms the strategic importance of the sector, justifying the government’s massive investment in modern aviation infrastructure.

I. Traveler Growth and Global Connectivity Metrics

1. Rapid Passenger Traffic Recovery and 14% Growth

The nation’s commitment to safety and modern facilities has yielded impressive results:

• Total Travelers: Cambodia welcomed over 5.7 million air travelers of various nationalities during the first 10 months of 2025.
• Growth Rate: This figure represents a robust 14% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when the number of travelers reached 5 million. This steep curve confirms the rapid restoration and resilience of Cambodia’s international tourism market.

2. Expansive International Network: 35 Airlines Linking 39 Cities

The Cambodian sky is now busier than ever, demonstrating deepened connectivity to key global markets:

• Airline Presence: Currently, 35 domestic and foreign airline companies actively operate scheduled flights into the Kingdom.
• Global Reach: These 35 airlines directly connect Cambodia with 16 countries and 39 cities worldwide.
• Key Non-ASEAN Hubs: Critical connection points include China, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Japan. The network also spans 8 key cities and countries within the ASEAN region.

II. Investment Foundation: Securing Long-Term Aviation Capacity

$3.6 Billion Infrastructure Commitment

Prime Minister Hun Manet underscored that alongside pushing for increased air traffic, the government has aggressively strengthened and expanded its international airport infrastructure. This focus ensures sustainable growth by eliminating capacity constraints.

Over the last three years, Cambodia’s Civil Aviation sector proudly launched three new international airports representing a total investment of $3.6 billion USD:

These three state-of-the-art airports are now Cambodia’s most vital economic gateways. This immense investment guarantees the nation’s capacity to handle sustained growth in passenger traffic and commercial trade for decades to come, anchoring its future in global connectivity.

READ MORE: Cambodia Launches Three New International Airports Worth $3.6 Billion

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H.E. Sinn Chanserey Vutha, who is the Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the SSCA, celebrated this announcement. He said it’s a major success, thanks to the vision of Prime Minister Hun Manet and the hard work of the SSCA, the Ministry of Tourism, and other key groups.

Boosting Travel and Connectivity

He pointed out that this new route will make travel much easier because Istanbul is a major travel hub that connects Europe and many other parts of the world. By flying directly to Istanbul, Cambodia will have a stronger link to the entire European continent.

The launch of this flight also shows growing confidence in Cambodia’s air travel industry, especially with the opening of the impressive new Techo International Airport. This new airport is seen as a landmark achievement for the Cambodian government.

The new connection is expected to greatly increase the number of international visitors and tourists. This is because Turkish Airlines has a huge global network, flying to more than 350 destinations in 130 countries.

A Look at Cambodia’s Tourism

According to official data, Cambodia is already seeing more visitors. In the first seven months of 2025, the country welcomed 4.08 million international air passengers, which is about 16% more than the same time the previous year.

Cambodia currently uses three major international airports: the new Techo International Airport, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and the Sihanouk International Airport.

The Minister of Tourism, H.E. Huot Hak, also shared his appreciation for the support from the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Airlines. He noted that the airline clearly recognizes Cambodia as a country with strong potential for tourism.

He emphasized that Cambodia’s growth as a rising destination is based on its peace, stability, and the government’s long-term plans, which include major infrastructure projects like the Techo International Airport.

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