Cambodia Airways successfully flew the maiden flight of its new Phnom Penh - Penang service on June 26.
This flight significantly contributes to boosting regional air connectivity and enhancing tourism relations between Cambodia and Malaysia. The inaugural flight reached Penang International Airport, establishing a direct link between the cities.
The service, using an Airbus A319 with a capacity for 150 passengers, will operate bi-weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.
These new routes embody a mutual commitment to expanding travel opportunities, which are expected to facilitate increased visitor numbers, open up business avenues, and enrich cultural exchanges. Currently, 41 direct flights per week traverse between Cambodia and Malaysia, offering over 7,200 seats and emphasizing the growing connectivity between the two nations. This development coincides with a sales mission undertaken by Tourism Malaysia to Cambodia from June 19 to 22.
Enhancing Connectivity and Strengthening Relations
The initiation of flights from Phnom Penh to Penang is a crucial advancement in enhancing regional connectivity and fostering bilateral relations. This strategy greatly improves accessibility and promotes mutual development in tourism, commerce, and cultural interactions. The new routes are set to bolster visitor numbers and foster deeper economic partnerships.
In the previous year, Malaysia welcomed 77,342 visitors from Cambodia, with a notable 47% increase in tourism income, escalating from RM164.2 million to RM240.8 million.
This upward trend not only highlights the increasing confidence of travelers and their enhanced spending abilities but also showcases the robustness of Cambodia’s outbound tourism sector.