Cambodia Airways Launches Direct Link to Penang

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KT Chor Sokunthea

 

 

A new chapter in regional air travel began this week as Cambodia Airways officially launched a direct flight route between Phnom Penh and Penang, strengthening ties between Cambodia and Malaysia.

 

The new service was unveiled at a ceremony hosted by the Malaysia Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC) on Friday, drawing dignitaries, diplomats and aviation leaders to celebrate what is being hailed as a significant boost for both tourism and trade.

 

“This new direct route is more than a convenient travel option—it is a bridge that connects people, cultures, and economies,” said a Cambodia Airways spokesperson, as the airline reaffirmed its commitment to regional growth.

 

The Phnom Penh–Penang connection is expected to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, tapping into Penang’s growing reputation as a cultural, medical, and commercial hub in northern Malaysia. For Cambodians, it offers a new gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse destinations.

 

Oknha Tan Khee Meng, MBCC President, lauded the launch as a reflection of flourishing bilateral ties. “This flight signifies real progress,” he said. “It’s about more than movement—it’s about shared growth, shared culture, and shared opportunity.”

 

Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn echoed the sentiment, noting that increased connectivity plays a vital role in diplomacy and development. “This route opens up fresh possibilities for collaboration across tourism, trade and people-to-people exchange,” he said.

 

The launch comes at a time of growing travel demand across Southeast Asia, with airlines looking to expand direct international routes. Cambodia Airways’ move to include Penang in its regional network signals confidence in the market and a strategic push towards greater integration within ASEAN.

 

The route adds to existing flights between Cambodia and Malaysia operated by several carriers, including AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. Last year, nearly 60,000 Malaysians visited Cambodia, while some 54,000 Cambodians travelled to Malaysia—a figure both countries aim to grow through improved connectivity.

 

For travellers, the new link promises not just shorter journeys, but greater opportunities to explore, invest, and engage across borders.

 

-2025-05-26