Cambodia is tightening its links to Europe-bound routes even as there are still no direct flights to Europe from its airports. As of October 6, 2025, officials and airline partners are relying on regional hubs and upcoming infrastructure to keep travel moving. Daily service by Qatar Airways from Phnom Penh to Doha remains a central bridge, and the new Techo International Airport—set to open in July 2025—aims to attract long-haul carriers, including potential European brands.
Travelers leaving Cambodia continue to route through Asia or the Gulf. The typical itineraries are one-stop or two-stop journeys through Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Doha, or Dubai before reaching European cities. This pattern influences ticket prices, travel time, and how tour companies plan peak-season itineraries. It also affects business travelers who need predictable schedules for meetings and trade events in Paris, London, and other hubs.
Qatar Airways is currently the most prominent link for Europe-bound journeys from Phnom Penh. The airline runs daily flights to Doha, where passengers can connect to major European destinations including Paris and London. For many Cambodians and visitors alike, this schedule has become the most reliable way to cross continents—especially during busy periods and school holidays. It also creates steady options for Cambodian students heading to universities across Europe in late summer and early autumn.
European policymakers are watching this trend closely. The European Union has expressed interest in encouraging major European airlines to establish direct flights to Cambodia. The goal is simple: help tourists and investors reach the country faster and more easily. While the EU’s interest doesn’t guarantee new routes, it signals a willingness to support airlines that see a clear business case. For Cambodia, better access from Europe would strengthen efforts to attract visitors to its cultural and eco-tourism sites.
Airlines and infrastructure developments
Cambodia’s biggest bet is infrastructure. The Techo International Airport near Phnom Penh is expected to open in July 2025. Authorities anticipate larger aircraft, wider slots, and better ground capacity—all key factors for long-haul carriers. The airport’s scale could ease scheduling and make Cambodia more attractive to airlines planning longer routes. It’s also a visible sign that the country is preparing for future direct links to Europe, even if they remain a medium-term prospect.
According to current plans, Turkish Airlines intends to begin direct flights from Istanbul to Phnom Penh by mid-2025. For many travelers, that could add a powerful one-stop option between Europe and Cambodia because Istanbul connects to dozens of European cities. If launched as planned, the route would provide a consistent alternative to Southeast Asian and Gulf hubs.
Emirates has signaled intentions to expand within Cambodia, potentially including flights to Siem Reap. While details are still taking shape, expansion by a large Gulf carrier typically boosts seat availability and widens connection choices. Together with daily Qatar Airways service, added capacity would help manage peak demand and smooth disruptions when weather, maintenance, or regional congestion affect schedules.
For now, the core reality remains: there are still no direct flights to Europe from Cambodia. Travelers rely on hubs such as:
– Bangkok
– Kuala Lumpur
– Singapore
– Doha
– Dubai
This network model is common in Southeast Asia, where hub carriers pool demand to sustain long-haul routes. As noted by VisaVerge.com, many travelers plan their Europe trips around these established transfer points because they offer frequent departures and broad networks.
Tourism impact and policy outlook
Despite the absence of nonstop services, Cambodia’s visitor numbers are growing. The country is promoting itself as safe, welcoming, and culturally rich. Angkor’s temples still anchor many itineraries, but eco-tourism, community-based travel, and coastal stays are rising in popularity.
Tourism operators say reliable connections—even with one transfer—are enough to keep group tours and independent travel on track, especially when schedules are regular and fares are competitive.
Officials and industry leaders argue that stronger air links support more than leisure travel. Better connectivity helps attract:
– Small and medium-size enterprises
– Conferences and film productions
– European hotel brands and related supply chains
In practical terms, more flights usually mean more jobs—from airport staff and tour guides to drivers and logistics teams.
Looking ahead, discussions about direct flights continue. The opening of Techo International Airport gives airline planners a reason to re-run their models. There are mentions of potential Air France flights tied to the airport’s inauguration, but authorities have not confirmed details. That caution reflects how airlines make decisions: beyond infrastructure, they need dependable demand, stable costs, and confidence that routes will perform year-round.
What travelers should know now
- There are no direct flights to Europe from Cambodia; plan for one or two connections.
- Qatar Airways offers daily Phnom Penh–Doha service, linking to European cities the same day.
- New capacity may arrive in 2025, including the planned Turkish Airlines route and possible Emirates growth, which could improve availability and pricing.
Practical planning tips:
1. Book early for high seasons.
2. Build in buffer time for tight connections, especially when transferring between terminals in large hubs.
3. If arranging group travel, consider split-ticket strategies only when you’re comfortable with the risks—separate tickets can complicate rebooking during disruptions.
Travel to Cambodia also involves visa checks for many nationalities. For up-to-date entry options, use the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s official e-Visa portal at the government website: Cambodia e-Visa. This is the safest place to confirm fees, processing times, and eligible passports before you buy flights.
Policy direction is clear: encourage airlines to test new routes while the country proves it can sustain them. The EU’s interest in direct connectivity supports that approach, giving carriers political cover and potential commercial incentives. Yet demand must justify the aircraft and crew hours.
For Cambodian families, students, and entrepreneurs, this means predictable choices with familiar transfer points. Tour operators can continue selling Europe-to-Cambodia journeys with confidence, using Doha, Istanbul (once launched), or Southeast Asian hubs as the hinge. Airlines can scale up gradually, track performance, and pivot if needed.
No one expects overnight change, but the direction is encouraging. With a modern airport, steady tourism recovery, and carriers like Qatar Airways anchoring the bridge to Europe, Cambodia is closing the gap step by step. If long-haul demand keeps growing and costs line up, the first direct European service could move from discussion to timetable—turning today’s careful building into tomorrow’s milestone.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cambodia has no direct flights to Europe as of October 6, 2025; travelers rely on one- or two-stop itineraries through hubs like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Doha, or Dubai. Qatar Airways’ daily Phnom Penh–Doha service provides reliable same-day connections to European cities including Paris and London. The country expects improved long‑haul prospects with the July 2025 opening of Techo International Airport. Planned routes—such as Turkish Airlines’ proposed Istanbul–Phnom Penh service—and potential Emirates expansion could increase seat capacity and connection choices. While the EU has signaled interest in encouraging European carriers, airlines will require consistent demand and economic viability before launching direct services. For now, travelers should book early, allow buffer time for connections, and consult Cambodia’s e-Visa portal for entry rules.
