PENANG welcomed the maiden flight from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, today, marking a new milestone in regional air connectivity and tourism development.
Operated by Cambodia Airways, the new route adds Penang to Phnom Penh’s international flight map and makes Cambodia the sixth ASEAN country to be directly connected to the state.
Other ASEAN countries with direct air links to Penang include Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai hailed the launch as timely, especially as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship this year.
“This new direct flight highlights Penang’s growing role in the ASEAN aviation network and supports our efforts to build stronger regional ties,” he said in a media statement.
Wong, who is currently leading a tourism promotion roadshow in the Greater Bay Area of China, delegated two assemblymen, Chee Yeeh Keen (Bagan Jermal) and Lee Boon Heng (Kebun Bunga), to represent the state government and welcome the first batch of 104 passengers at Penang International Airport.
The inaugural flight, KR785, departed Phnom Penh at 8.05am (Cambodia time) and landed in Penang at 10.55am (local time).
The return flight, KR786, took off at 11.55am (local time) and arrived back in Phnom Penh at 12.40pm (Cambodia time). The service will operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays.
Wong revealed that a team from the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) had visited Phnom Penh earlier this month to meet with Cambodia Airways for joint promotion and planning.
“We have meaningful discussions with the airline to ensure this route’s long-term success, and it’s rewarding to see the outcome materialise,” Wong said.
The new air link is also expected to enhance Penang’s position as a top MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) destination in Southeast Asia.
“Better air links make it easier for business travellers, event organisers, and delegates to choose Penang,” Wong said, adding that Penang stands out with several venues such as SPICE, PICCA, and the soon-to-open Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC).
He noted that while KL and Singapore lead the region with large-scale MICE infrastructure, Penang offers more flexible, medium-sized options that are appealing.
“Penang must move fast and build on its momentum, especially with other ASEAN cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Ho Chi Minh City catching up in MICE investments,” he added.
Wong said the state is committed to establishing a better approach for a “connectivity-first, and MICE-driven” strategy.
“Every new route strengthens our tourism and economic ecosystem. This direct flight from Phnom Penh is another step towards making Penang a more connected, accessible, and attractive destination in the region,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee