Cambodian airlines are stepping up their schedules to knit together the country’s three main tourism and economic hubs, in a move hailed as a milestone for the Kingdom’s recovery.

Cambodia Airways has launched new routes linking Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, operated by its latest ATR 72‑600 aircraft. The triangular network connects the capital’s Techo International Airport, the cultural gateway of Siem Reap–Angkor, and the coastal resort city of Sihanoukville.

“These inaugural flights not only strengthen connections between Cambodia’s key cities but also play a significant role in seamlessly connecting international passengers through Cambodia Airways’ integrated international and domestic network,” the airline said in a statement.

Cambodia Airports, which manages Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville airports, welcomed the expansion, noting it would bring destinations “closer together” and ease travel for both tourists and business travellers.

Other carriers are also scaling up. Air Cambodia and AirAsia Cambodia have introduced daily domestic services, offering travellers more convenience and cutting journey times compared with long highway trips. The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) said the country’s airport infrastructure is now fully operational, allowing airlines to maximise operations and ensure international visitors can explore temples, conduct business in the capital and relax on coastal beaches within a single itinerary.

The expansion comes as Cambodia seeks to revitalise its tourism industry, badly hit by the pandemic and regional instability. With 35 airlines currently connecting the country to ASEAN neighbours, East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, officials hope stronger domestic links will encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more.

By tightening the connections between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s aviation sector is positioning itself as a driver of economic recovery, offering travellers faster, smoother journeys across the Kingdom’s most popular destinations.

-2026-07-02

It isn't helping that flights from Thailand to Siem Reap are expensive and not busy with takers!

No matter how you look at it, tourist numbers have halved for people visiting Cambodia in the first six months of 2026.

COVID-19?..................... A bit of a lame excuse. Doubt that has any bearing,

More inclined to lean towards regional border disputes, land borders shut, Thais have no wish to travel there, Middle East problems etc may have affected some tourists.

There are plenty saying both Bangkok and Pattaya are very low in tourist numbers, I have heard plenty of people from Europe saying it's getting too expensive, for what you get once you arrive.

They used to say, once the flight was covered, it was very cheap once you were inside the country, ( hotels, bars, entertainment) those days are gone.

If they aren't travelling to Thailand, they won't be doing side trips to Cambodia.

Edited July 3Jul 3 by Scouse123

With the new expressway that shortened the road trip between Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville significantly, and considering how far outside the city the new Techo Airport is, I think they'll have a hard time selling tickets on that route.

The obvious exception will be transit passengers, but even for them, those domestic flights would need to be timed very well to make sense as connecting flights.

I agree, it's unacceptable:

$150/200 for jsut 1h flight BKK-PNH

$40 for VISA !

$70/80 if you want to go visit Angtor Wat.

I would not do a few day trip from Thailand , but an internal flight to Chang Mai/Rai instead

It's $44 from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, I use the airport bus to get out there which is $8 and I'd assume the same in PP which is $60 all in. I think the decent coach companies like Giant Ibis run at around $15-$20.

With the 2 hours it takes in total to get to and from the airports to town centres plus a couple of hours pre check in at departure, for me I don't think I'd use it. I would still prefer to take the bus and use the $40 saving on a couple of extra hotel nights in the capital.

Maybe business people or short trip tourists will see the benefit, can't blame them for trying in their current woefully under utilised new airports.

The above prices are one way, so it's $120 vs $40 on a round trip.

Battambang is still the dark horse. Good to see no flights there yet. Once the streets are repaved all's well in BTMBG.

I much prefer taking Giant Ibis (coach) inside Cambo.