Turkish Airlines has announced that it will launch its first direct flight between Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, and Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, on 10 December 2025.
The news followed a bilateral meeting in Phnom Penh. On 16 September 2025, Cambodia’s Minister of Tourism Huot Hak met Ülkü Kocaefe, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye, and a Turkish Airlines delegation led by vice president Ümit Develi. The meeting confirmed the launch of direct flights from Istanbul to Techo International Airport.
Strengthening tourism and aviation cooperation
Thanking the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Airlines for their close cooperation, Cambodia’s tourism minister called the decision an important step in recognising his country’s tourism potential: “This reflects an understanding of the potential of Cambodia’s emerging tourism market, built on peace, trust and the wise leadership of the Royal Government.” He also described Techo International Airport as a modern achievement of the Cambodian government, stressing that its capabilities played a key role in Turkish Airlines’ decision to start direct flights.
Boosting tourism and global connectivity
The new route is expected to increase arrivals of international tourists and travellers to Cambodia. Turkish Airlines, which already flies to more than 350 destinations in 130 countries, will create a direct link between Türkiye and Europe and Southeast Asia by adding Phnom Penh to its network. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, the move is an important step in raising Cambodia’s global profile as a destination and widening access to its growing tourism market.
The cooperation is also in line with the Royal Government’s strategy for sustainable tourism development. Techo International Airport, designed as a regional hub, has advanced infrastructure capable of handling high volumes of international flights and can help develop the country’s aviation and tourism industries. With the Istanbul–Phnom Penh route, Turkish Airlines aims to facilitate business and leisure travel while helping strengthen economic and cultural ties between Türkiye and Cambodia.
The route will also give travellers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa easier access to Cambodia via Istanbul. It marks a milestone in bilateral cooperation and underlines the importance of tourism for economic growth and of direct flights for international exchange.
