Turkish Airlines’ launch of flights to Phnom Penh is expected to create new opportunities for Kolkata’s travel and aviation ecosystem as the city continues to grow as an international outbound market. The carrier, which flies to more countries than any other airline, has now added Cambodia as its 132nd country and Phnom Penh as its 11th Southeast Asian city.
Industry experts in Kolkata say the expansion strengthens Istanbul’s position as a key connecting hub for eastern India, offering passengers greater flexibility for travel to emerging Southeast Asian markets. Phnom Penh, known for its historical sites, cultural richness and growing business landscape, is increasingly attracting Indian travellers and trade interests.
Turkish Airlines will operate the route three times a week, ensuring consistent connectivity for both tourism and business traffic. The airline highlighted that it is currently the only European carrier flying to Phnom Penh, reinforcing its competitive advantage in the region. CEO Bilal Ekşi described the launch as a “significant step” in strengthening the airline’s global reach and creating new pathways for international commerce. Kolkata tour operators say the new route may encourage more multi-destination travel packages combining Cambodia with Europe or the Middle East. Under a special promotion, travellers may book discounted fares until February 10, 2026, for journeys through October 31, 2026.
