Cambodia Airways Launches Phnom Penh-Penang Flight To Spur Visit Malaysia 2026

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, June 20 (Bernama) -- Cambodia Airways’s inaugural direct flight from Phnom Penh to Penang, set to take off on June 26, is poised to boost tourist flow in tandem with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing when launching the flight on Thursday in Phnom Penh said the move dovetails with Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to prioritise improved connectivity between the two countries as part of its strategy to position Malaysia as a key tourism destination in ASEAN.

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“This important milestone will significantly enhance connectivity between our two countries and open new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange,” he said at the launch held in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia My Second Home campaigns in Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak was the special guest at the event.

An Airbus A319 aircraft with a capacity of 150 seats will ply the route twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, catering to tourists and business travellers from Malaysia, Cambodia and other nations.

Tiong said the event was a renewed promise to work hand in hand with Cambodian partners, building a bridge of opportunity for travellers, businesses, and communities across both nations.

“We are not just promoting destinations. We are co-creating experiences that are authentic, accessible and inclusive, and we see Cambodia as a vital part of that journey.

“Malaysia and Cambodia share more than just geography. We are linked by history, culture and the common aspiration to grow sustainably through tourism.

“ASEAN’s vision of being a single tourism destination aligns with our efforts here. Together, we can move beyond competition to cooperation,” he said.

According to Tourism Malaysia, 77,342 Cambodian tourists arrived in Malaysia last year, signifying not only economic resilience but also a growing appetite among Cambodians for quality experiences, trusted destinations and culturally enriching journeys.

As part of its sales mission to build robust ties in the market, Tourism Malaysia also hosted business-to-business meetings in the capital on Thursday, attended by travel trade representatives.

--BERNAMA