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.

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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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Prime Minister Hun Manet championed the project as a reflection of Cambodia’s strategic future. “This is a new achievement reflecting Cambodia’s long-term development vision,” Samdech Thipadei stated. “TIA will serve as a driving force to attract more tourists and investors to Cambodia. We will open our horizons even wider.”

The Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), H.E. Dr. Mao Havannall, affirmed the airport’s significance, describing it as an important bridge of solidarity and cooperation that strengthens the country’s tourism industry and overall economic growth.

The vast project, costing US$2.3 billion, was spearheaded by the Cambodia Airport Investment Corporation (CAIC), a subsidiary of OCIC. Lok Neak Oknha Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of CAIC, confirmed the total expenditure covered the construction of the main passenger terminal building (PTB), airfields, ancillary buildings, and both general aviation and VVIP terminals.

The airport is classified as a 4F-level international airport, the highest global standard, capable of accommodating the world’s largest aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.

TIA commenced operations on September 9, 2025, and is situated on more than 2,600 hectares approximately 20 kilometers from Phnom Penh. It is designed for massive future expansion: Phase 1 accommodates 13 million passengers, Phase 2 will handle 30 million, and Phase 3 is projected to reach 50 million annually.

Furthermore, Mr. Pung Kheav Se highlighted TIA’s immediate international credibility, noting that Etihad Airways launched direct flights on October 4, with Turkish Airlines scheduled to begin service on December 10, 2025. This expansion improves connectivity to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. He also proudly cited that Cathay Pacific chose TIA as a trusted alternative to park 13 of its aircraft during Typhoon Ragasa, demonstrating international confidence in TIA’s facilities.

Related Article: Etihad Airways Launches Historic Direct Flights to Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport

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