Turkish Airlines is launching direct flights between Istanbul (Türkiye) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia), starting on December 11, 2025. A top official from Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) confirmed the news.
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.