Six New Airlines Set to Launch Operations in Cambodia by Year-End

Photo: Cambodia Airways

Cambodia’s aviation scene is getting a major boost by the end of 2024, with six new airlines joining the fray. It’s an exciting development for the Kingdom, where air travel is seeing a revival after years of stagnation. 

The influx of fresh players will not only diversify Cambodia’s international connections but also strengthen its standing as a regional travel hub.

Here’s the lowdown on the airlines ready to take off, where they’ll be flying from, what it means for Cambodia and if it might actually save us some money..

Greater Bay Airlines: Linking Phnom Penh and Hong Kong

First on the runway is Greater Bay Airlines. This relatively new Hong Kong-based airline is set to operate flights between Phnom Penh and Hong Kong. This is a major win for anyone looking to explore one of Asia’s most dynamic cities while giving Hong Kongers a direct route to the wonders of Cambodia. Expect tourism and business to thrive, especially with Phnom Penh becoming an increasingly important commercial center.

The Hong Kong-Phnom Penh route should also benefit those in the trade sector, as Cambodia continues to cement itself as a manufacturing hub for the region. These flights will likely be popular with business travelers, traders, and of course, adventurous tourists hopping between these two exciting cities.

To read about Hong Kong street food click here.

Air China: Beijing to Siem Reap

Next up, we have Air China stepping up to offer direct flights from Beijing to Siem Reap, home of the world-famous Angkor Wat. It’s no secret that Cambodia’s allure lies in its rich cultural history, and this new connection between China’s capital and Cambodia’s temple city will surely draw more Chinese tourists to the Kingdom.

With the Chinese market being one of Cambodia’s most important, this route will open the floodgates for history enthusiasts and travelers wanting to explore Southeast Asia’s most impressive ruins. Plus, for Cambodians, having a direct line to Beijing is a strategic advantage for both business and travel.

Thai Smile Airways: Phnom Penh to Bangkok

In what can only be described as the ultimate short-haul connection, Thai Smile Airways is launching a new route between Phnom Penh and Bangkok. This one’s a no-brainer. Bangkok remains a massive hub for anyone traveling around Southeast Asia, and Phnom Penh’s growing stature makes this a must-have route.

This connection is fantastic news for budget travelers and frequent flyers between the two capitals. The new service promises to bring some much-needed competition, which should push fares down and give travelers more options when they’re zipping between Cambodia and Thailand.

Personally we still love this route overland.

VietJet Air: Connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

Intra-ASEAN travel is also getting a shot in the arm with VietJet Air entering the mix. The low-cost airline is ready to launch flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, technically giving travelers an easy way to hop between Vietnam and Cambodia.

On this route though I will have to go slightly off script as a bus between the two cities is just $20 and takes 6 hours. Flying this route would only take an hour, but this is ignoring some key factors. Firstly you’d have to do time at the airport, but more importantly the airport at Ho Chi Minh is quite literally hell on earth and can take hours to get through.

To read about doing this route by land click here.

Bamboo Airways: Expanding Hanoi-Phnom Penh Route

Speaking of Vietnam, Bamboo Airways isn’t missing out on the action. The airline is expanding its services with flights from Hanoi to Phnom Penh. This adds yet another layer to the Cambodia-Vietnam travel scene, connecting two major capital cities with a growing number of business and tourist.

With more flights comes more flexibility, which is great news for anyone making their way between these two destinations. Plus, Bamboo Airways’ reputation for service means travelers can expect a smooth, budget-friendly ride.

This is likely to be much more of a popular route allowing people to pop over for some great street food, as well as giving the chance for onward land travel to China.

Cambodia Airways: Domestic and Regional Growth

Finally, Cambodia Airways is making waves by expanding its domestic and regional routes. The focus is on boosting connectivity from Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s up-and-coming coastal city, to major regional hubs.

With Sihanoukville developing into a key player for both tourism and business (thanks to its deepwater port and influx of Chinese investment), Cambodia Airways is poised to capitalize on its growth. Expect easier travel for those looking to explore Cambodia’s beach scene or take advantage of the booming business opportunities in the region.

What Does This Mean for Cambodia?

The introduction of these airlines is more than just about adding new routes—it’s a statement that Cambodia is open for business and tourism on a grander scale than ever before. With new connections to China, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond, the country is positioning itself as a crucial hub for Southeast Asia.

This expansion couldn’t come at a better time. With Cambodia’s Techo International Airport set to open in 2025 and air passenger numbers soaring, the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure is modernizing rapidly. The growing number of airlines reflects Cambodia’s rise as a destination for both leisure and business travelers, and as more routes open, expect fares to drop, making it an even more accessible place for visitors.

And hopefully this will not just pave the way for Cambodian becoming a flight hub, but hopefully also pave the way for dirt cheap flights. 

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