Turkish Airlines Expands Southeast Asia Network with New Phnom Penh Flights, Strengthening Travel and Tourism Links Between Türkiye and Cambodia

Published on December 14, 2025

A significant milestone in Asian aviation connectivity has been achieved with Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Türkiye, formally entering the Cambodian market. With the launch of scheduled services to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, a new chapter has been added to the airline’s steadily expanding Southeast Asian network. This development positions Phnom Penh as the 11th Southeast Asian city served by the carrier and highlights Turkish Airlines’ long-term commitment to strengthening travel, tourism, and economic ties across Asia. The route has been designed to enhance access between Istanbul Airport and one of the region’s emerging capitals, offering travelers a seamless gateway connecting Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. As global travel demand continues to rebound, the addition of Cambodia as the airline’s 132nd country reflects a strategic focus on network breadth, cultural exchange, and tourism-driven growth. Through carefully planned capacity, competitive introductory fares, and strong onward connectivity, this new service has been positioned as a catalyst for increased visitor flows, trade opportunities, and deeper people-to-people connections between Türkiye and Cambodia.

Entry into Cambodia Marks Strategic Expansion

The inauguration of flights between Istanbul Airport and Phnom Penh International Airport has marked the first-ever scheduled service by Turkish Airlines to Cambodia. Through this move, Cambodia has been added as the seventh country served by the airline in Southeast Asia, reinforcing its broader Asia-Pacific growth strategy. Phnom Penh has simultaneously been integrated into the carrier’s Far East network, which now spans 20 cities and 21 airports.

This expansion has been guided by a focus on emerging markets where long-term tourism and commercial demand is expected to grow steadily. By prioritizing connectivity over high initial frequency, a balanced and sustainable entry into the Cambodian market has been achieved.

Unique European Connectivity to Phnom Penh

A notable distinction of this new route lies in its competitive positioning. Turkish Airlines has become the only European carrier currently operating direct flights to Phnom Penh. This exclusivity provides travelers from Cambodia with a one-stop connection to a vast global network via Istanbul, while also simplifying travel for European and transcontinental visitors heading to Southeast Asia.

The route has been structured to support both passenger travel and cargo operations, thereby enhancing trade potential alongside tourism growth. Improved air access has been widely recognized as a driver of economic development, particularly for destinations with increasing international visibility such as Cambodia.

Flight Schedule and Operational Details

Services on the Istanbul–Phnom Penh route have been scheduled three times weekly. Departures from Istanbul Airport operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while return flights from Phnom Penh International Airport operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

This measured schedule has been implemented to align capacity with anticipated demand while allowing flexibility for future expansion. The route is being operated using modern long-haul aircraft, ensuring passenger comfort and efficient operations across the extended distance.

Promotional Fares to Encourage Early Demand

To support its market entry, limited-time promotional fares have been introduced by Turkish Airlines. Tickets are available for booking until February 10, with travel permitted through October 31. Introductory one-way fares have been set from USD 699 from Istanbul to Phnom Penh and from USD 679 in the reverse direction.

These fares have been positioned competitively against existing connecting services offered by Asian and Middle Eastern carriers. Through this pricing strategy, early adoption of the route is being encouraged among leisure travelers, business passengers, and official delegations.

Tourism Opportunities for Cambodia

Enhanced connectivity is expected to deliver tangible benefits for Cambodia’s tourism sector. Phnom Penh, long regarded as a city of resilience and reinvention, has been increasingly recognized for its cultural depth and energetic urban life. International arrivals are anticipated to grow as improved access from Europe and beyond reduces travel complexity.

Inbound tourism plays a crucial role in supporting local employment, hospitality infrastructure, and cultural preservation. With Turkish Airlines acting as a global connector, Cambodia’s visibility as a travel destination is expected to rise across multiple source markets.

Phnom Penh’s Historical and Cultural Appeal

Phnom Penh’s transformation from a conflict-scarred city into a dynamic Southeast Asian capital has been shaped by centuries of history. Founded in 1434, the city has endured periods of war, rapid population shifts, and profound social change. The Khmer Rouge era left deep scars, but the decades since have been defined by reconstruction and renewal.

Today, Phnom Penh stands as home to more than 15 percent of Cambodia’s population and continues to evolve as a center of culture, commerce, and creativity. This complex history adds depth to the visitor experience and has become a defining element of the city’s appeal.

Key Attractions for Visitors

Among Phnom Penh’s most prominent landmarks is the Royal Palace, which remains a symbol of Cambodian sovereignty and heritage. Nearby, the Silver Pagoda houses important Buddhist relics and royal stupas, offering insight into the country’s spiritual traditions.

The National Museum provides a comprehensive overview of classical Khmer art, while memorial sites such as Choeung Ek and Toul Sleng document the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge period with solemn clarity. Together, these attractions form an essential part of understanding Cambodia’s past and present.

Modern Experiences and Lifestyle

Beyond its historical landmarks, Phnom Penh has gained attention for its growing food scene, vibrant nightlife, and emerging creative community. Riverside areas such as Sisowath Quay offer cafes, markets, and evening walks, while Mekong River cruises provide a different perspective on the city’s skyline.

Markets including Central Market and the Russian Market remain popular for local goods and souvenirs, adding everyday authenticity to the visitor experience. Cooking classes and food tours have also been embraced as immersive ways to explore Khmer cuisine.

Practical Travel Considerations

Phnom Penh has generally been regarded as safe for travelers, with petty theft identified as the most common concern. Standard precautions have been advised, particularly in crowded areas. Transportation within the city is primarily handled through tuk-tuks and rideshare services such as Grab and Passapp, while buses remain limited but inexpensive.

Accommodation options range from budget hostels to upscale boutique hotels, allowing travelers to tailor their stay according to preference and budget. Daily travel costs have remained relatively affordable compared with other regional capitals.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia

The most comfortable travel period has been identified between November and February, when temperatures are moderate and humidity is lower. The warmer months from May to October coincide with the rainy season, though short-lived storms are common and tourist crowds tend to be smaller.

This seasonal variation allows Cambodia to appeal to different traveler segments throughout the year.

Strengthening Türkiye–Cambodia Relations

Beyond tourism, the new route has been positioned as a facilitator of deeper diplomatic and commercial ties between Türkiye and Cambodia. Improved connectivity supports bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and official travel, contributing to long-term cooperation between the two nations.

By extending its network into Cambodia, Turkish Airlines has reinforced Istanbul’s role as a global aviation hub while supporting Cambodia’s integration into international travel flows.

The launch of Istanbul–Phnom Penh flights represents a carefully calculated expansion within Turkish Airlines’ broader Asia strategy. Through first-mover advantage, competitive fares, and unique European connectivity, the route has been positioned to deliver sustained value for travelers and host communities alike. As tourism demand continues to diversify, this new link between Türkiye and Cambodia is expected to play a meaningful role in shaping future travel patterns across Southeast Asia.