Cambodia Airways successfully flew the maiden flight of its new Phnom Penh - Penang service last 26th June.
This initial flight marks a significant milestone in boosting regional air connectivity and strengthening bilateral tourism ties between Cambodia and Malaysia.
The inaugural flight landed at Penang International Airport, signifying the start of this direct connection between the two cities.
The new route, operated by an Airbus A319 with a 150-seat capacity, flies twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.
These new routes reflect a shared commitment to expanding mutual travel opportunities as the enhanced connection is expected to increase visitor flow, open more business prospects, and deepen cultural exchange between Cambodia and Malaysia.
Currently, 41 direct flights operate weekly between Cambodia and Malaysia, offering more than 7,200 seats, highlighting the strengthening connectivity and tourism potential between both countries.
This development also complements Tourism Malaysia’s sales mission to Cambodia which ran from 19th to 22nd June.
Boosting connectivity and strengthening ties
The commencement of direct flights between Phnom Penh and Penang marks a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening bilateral ties between Cambodia and Malaysia.
This new route improves accessibility between the two countries and promotes mutual growth in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
That said, it is a timely initiative expected to boost visitor arrivals and encourage deeper economic cooperation between both nations.
Last year, Malaysia recorded 77,342 visitor arrivals from Cambodia, accompanied by a significant 47 percent surge in tourism receipts from RM164.2 million to RM240.8 million.
This positive trend reflects not only growing travellers’ confidence and increased spending power but also the resilience of Cambodia’s outbound tourism sector.
