Sunday, June 29, 2025

Penang, Malaysia – Cambodia Airways has officially launched direct flights between Phnom Penh, the bustling capital of Cambodia, and Penang, one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations. The inaugural flight, which touched down at Penang International Airport on June 26, 2025, marked a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity. The arrival was celebrated with a traditional water salute, a warm welcoming performance, and special treats for passengers, showcasing the famous hospitality that Penang is known for.

The new route, which will operate twice weekly every Thursday and Sunday, provides both leisure and business travelers a seamless and convenient connection between the two UNESCO-listed cities. With this new air link, Cambodia Airways is not only enhancing travel opportunities for tourists but also boosting economic and cultural exchanges between Cambodia and Malaysia.

The introduction of this direct flight opens up new avenues for tourism, trade, and business collaboration between Cambodia and Malaysia. Phnom Penh and Penang, both known for their cultural richness and vibrant tourism offerings, will now be better connected, making it easier for travelers to explore the captivating landscapes, heritage, and attractions that each destination has to offer.

Wong Hon Wai, the Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy (PETACE), expressed his excitement about the new direct route, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Cambodia Airways to Penang. This new direct flight not only strengthens connectivity between Penang and Phnom Penh but also reflects growing demand and confidence in Penang’s appeal as a preferred destination for both business events and leisure.”

Cambodia Airways, established in 2017, has made significant strides in its relatively short operational history. The airline, the only local carrier in Cambodia offering high-quality business-class and full-service flights, currently operates a fleet of six Airbus A319/A320 aircraft. Cambodia Airways has accumulated over 35,000 flight hours and completed more than 17,000 flights, transporting over 1.7 million passengers.

In 2024 alone, the airline carried over 620,000 passengers and expanded its network to 22 domestic and international destinations. The launch of this direct Phnom Penh–Penang route is part of Cambodia Airways’ ongoing efforts to provide greater connectivity and enhance its service offerings within the ASEAN region.

The introduction of direct flights to Penang is expected to significantly boost the state’s tourism and economic growth. The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has been particularly active in targeting the incentive travel segment and promoting Penang as a leading destination for business events and international conferences. The new flight will help stimulate business event movements between the two destinations and provide greater accessibility for corporate and incentive groups from Cambodia and other ASEAN countries.

Penang is well-known for its dynamic economy, thriving tourism industry, and vibrant cultural scene, attracting visitors for both leisure and business purposes. With Phnom Penh now directly connected to Penang, travelers from Cambodia will have more opportunities to explore Penang’s beaches, heritage sites, and renowned culinary offerings, while also benefiting from the growing number of international business and cultural events hosted in the region.

Cambodia Airways’ Phnom Penh–Penang flights are scheduled twice a week, with departures from Phnom Penh at 8:05 AM, arriving in Penang at 10:55 AM local time. The return flight departs from Penang at 11:55 AM and arrives in Phnom Penh at 12:40 PM Cambodia time. This flight schedule has been carefully designed to offer convenience and flexibility for both tourists and business travelers looking to make the most of their time in both cities.

The airline operates a fleet of Airbus A319/A320 aircraft on this route, ensuring that passengers enjoy a comfortable journey with high-quality in-flight services. Passengers can expect a smooth and relaxing flight experience with Cambodia Airways’ business-class options, which feature a range of premium services designed to meet the needs of discerning travelers.

The launch of the Phnom Penh–Penang direct flight is a testament to the growing tourism and trade relationship between Malaysia and Cambodia. As both countries continue to work towards greater regional cooperation within the ASEAN community, this new route will serve as a crucial link in facilitating easier travel for tourists, business professionals, and cultural exchange participants. The direct flight is poised to bring more international visitors to Penang while also promoting Cambodia’s rich heritage and diverse attractions to a wider audience.

In addition to tourism, the new flight route will encourage stronger bilateral trade between Cambodia and Malaysia, further cementing both countries’ positions as key players in the ASEAN region. The accessibility and convenience provided by Cambodia Airways’ new flights will allow for smoother business operations, investment flows, and cross-cultural engagement, fostering a vibrant relationship between the two nations.

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