Sign in Subscribe
Tourism

Turkish Airlines to Launch Direct Flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Turkish Airlines, one of the world's largest airlines, has announced plans to launch direct flights between Istanbul, Turkiye, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, starting from December 10, 2025. This move comes as Turkish travelers to Cambodia have seen a significant increase of over 30% during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The airline's decision to establish a direct route is a result of strong cooperation between the governments and private sectors of both countries, with the Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, expressing gratitude and appreciation for recognizing Cambodia's tourism potential.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkish Airlines will launch direct flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh's Techo International Airport on December 10, 2025.
  • The number of Turkish travelers to Cambodia increased by 31.2% during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, with 6,080 Turkish nationals visiting the country.
  • Turkish Airlines serves over 350 destinations in 130 countries worldwide and is among the largest airlines globally.
  • Cambodia received a total of 3.71 million international tourists during the first seven months of 2025, a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to the same period in 2024.
  • Etihad Airways recently announced direct flights from Abu Dhabi, UAE, to Phnom Penh, starting on October 3, 2025.
  • The Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Huot Hak, appreciates the Turkish Airlines' recognition of Cambodia's tourism potential, citing strong political stability and peace.
  • The Royal Government of Cambodia sees this new route as a major achievement, which will significantly increase the number of international travelers and tourists coming to Cambodia.
  • The announcement follows other developments, including Emirates Airlines launching its first flight to Cambodia on June 3, 2025.

Statistics:

  • 6,080 Turkish nationals visited Cambodia during the first seven months of 2025, a 31.2% increase year-on-year.
  • 3.71 million international tourists visited Cambodia during the first seven months of 2025, a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to the same period in 2024.
  • Turkish Airlines serves over 350 destinations in 130 countries worldwide.
  • The number of Turkish travelers to Cambodia increased by over 30% during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Sources:

  • Meeting between Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak and Turkish ambassador Ulku Kocaefe on September 16 at the tourism ministry headquarters.
  • Turkish Airlines delegation represented by airline vice-president Umit Develi.
  • Turkish Airlines' announcement of direct flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh on December 10, 2025.
  • Cambodian Ministry of Tourism's statistics on international tourist arrivals in Cambodia during the first seven months of 2025.

Read more