In a significant step towards enhancing bilateral ties between Penang and Cambodia, Cambodia Airways is set to launch a new direct flight service connecting Phnom Penh with Penang.
The inaugural flight is scheduled to take off on June 26, 2025, offering twice-weekly services every Thursday and Sunday. This new route is expected to be a game-changer for both tourism and business sectors, creating valuable opportunities for increased regional connectivity, fostering deeper economic ties, and providing seamless travel options for both business and leisure travelers.
Strategic Meeting in Phnom Penh
On June 17, 2025, a delegation from the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashwin Gunasekeran, visited the headquarters of Cambodia Airways in Phnom Penh. This strategic engagement was held ahead of the highly anticipated launch of the Phnom Penh-Penang route. The meeting provided a platform to discuss and strengthen collaborations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the route, which is expected to provide numerous benefits to both countries.
The PCEB delegation included key members such as Ms. Siti Sarah Ismail, Head of Sales & Marketing, and Mr. Terry Neoh, Marketing & Communications Manager. Together, they met with senior representatives from Cambodia Airways, including Mr. Guowei Bai, Executive Deputy General Manager, Mr. Daniel Li, Deputy Director of the Marketing Committee, and Ms. Sok Ravy, Assistant to the CEO. The discussions revolved around joint initiatives, marketing collaborations, and strategies to raise awareness of the new air link.
Flight Details and Schedule
The direct flight between Phnom Penh and Penang is set to commence with flight KR785, which will depart Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) at 8:05 AM and arrive at Penang International Airport (PIA) at 10:55 AM. The return flight, KR786, will depart Penang at 11:55 AM and arrive in Phnom Penh at 12:40 PM. This flight schedule is designed to cater to both business travelers, who require quick and efficient connections, and leisure tourists looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of Penang and Cambodia.
The new service is not only a step forward in enhancing travel convenience but also in driving economic growth through more accessible travel between the two regions. It is expected to benefit the tourism industry by attracting more visitors to both Penang and Cambodia, while also facilitating business interactions between the two economies.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity
The introduction of the Phnom Penh–Penang direct flight represents a significant milestone in improving connectivity within the ASEAN region. Penang, already a well-established hub for business and tourism, will now have even better access to Cambodia, further enhancing its appeal as a gateway for travel within Southeast Asia.
The new flight also strengthens Malaysia’s commitment to regional integration and connectivity, a key goal of the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan 2025. Penang now joins a growing list of cities with direct air links to Cambodia, which will contribute to the seamless movement of people and businesses within the ASEAN economic region.
In addition to Cambodia, Penang already boasts direct air links with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Myanmar, making it an increasingly important business and tourism hub in Southeast Asia.
Opportunities for Tourism and Business Growth
The new air link offers a multitude of opportunities for both the tourism and business sectors. Penang is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, particularly George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The addition of a direct flight will allow tourists from Cambodia and the surrounding regions to experience the diverse cultural offerings of Penang, including its historic streets, delicious cuisine, and scenic beaches.
Similarly, Cambodia, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Angkor Wat and the temples of Siem Reap, will become more accessible to Malaysian and international tourists, boosting the region’s tourism industry. Additionally, the growing ease of travel between Phnom Penh and Penang is expected to attract a significant number of business travelers seeking convenient access to both regions for meetings, conferences, and trade opportunities.
The new route also plays a pivotal role in improving trade links between Cambodia and Malaysia. As businesses look for ways to expand in the ASEAN region, better connectivity between Phnom Penh and Penang will facilitate business partnerships across various industries, including tourism, trade, and investment. This connectivity will promote deeper economic ties between the two nations and provide new opportunities for growth and regional integration.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Route’s Success
Both Penang and Cambodia Airways are optimistic about the future success of the new route. Discussions held during the strategic meeting between PCEB and Cambodia Airways focused on creating a strong foundation for the long-term success of the flight. Marketing initiatives, strategic collaborations, and promotional efforts will be launched to ensure the route’s sustainability and maximize its benefits for both regions.
As both parties work together to promote the new flight, further initiatives are planned to develop additional air links and create more travel options for both business and leisure travelers. These efforts will include exploring ways to increase the frequency of the flights and expand services to other cities within Cambodia and Malaysia, strengthening the role of Penang as a key business hub in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Regional Cooperation
The direct Phnom Penh-Penang flight marks a new chapter in the growing relationship between Cambodia and Penang, unlocking new opportunities for business, tourism, and regional integration. The new route is expected to bring significant benefits to both regions by enhancing connectivity, promoting bilateral trade, and encouraging cultural exchanges.
With the launch of this direct flight, Penang solidifies its position as an essential hub for business events, tourism, and investment in Southeast Asia. As both regions continue to build on this newfound connection, the direct flight service will undoubtedly play a key role in further enhancing regional cooperation and contributing to the growth of both Cambodia and Penang’s economies.
