Etihad Airways touched down in Phnom Penh on Tuesday, marking the first direct Gulf carrier to add scheduled service to Cambodia’s capital and signaling a broader push to link Southeast Asia with the Middle East. The inaugural flight arrived under a clear morning sky at Phnom Penh International Airport with roughly 220 passengers, according to an airline spokesperson, and will initially operate three weekly rotations via Abu Dhabi.

Cambodian officials described the launch as a strategic lift for a tourism-dependent economy still rebuilding from the pandemic. “Direct Gulf flights shorten travel times for high-yield tourists and investors,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Tourism, adding that the government expects the new service to help accelerate arrivals from the Middle East and Europe. The ministry reported that Cambodia welcomed roughly 3.2 million international visitors in 2024—about half of the 6.6 million recorded in 2019—and officials say increased connectivity is critical to restore and surpass pre-pandemic levels.

Etihad framed the route as part of a hub-and-spoke strategy that better connects Abu Dhabi to emerging Southeast Asian markets. “Phnom Penh strengthens our network in ASEAN and gives passengers one-stop access to Cambodia’s cultural and business opportunities,” an Etihad representative said in a statement. The carrier plans onward connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Europe, Africa and the Americas, which could position Phnom Penh as a more accessible destination for long-haul travelers who previously needed multi-stop itineraries.

Market participants say the new link will have immediate commercial implications. Hoteliers and tour operators in Phnom Penh expect a modest initial bump in high-spending leisure travelers and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) business. “We’re already seeing inquiries from GCC tour operators keen on multi-destination itineraries that include Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh,” said a general manager at a five-star hotel in the capital. Analysts caution, however, that demand will hinge on ticket pricing, visa facilitation and promotional partnerships between the carrier and Cambodian tourism authorities.

Beyond tourism, the route could nudge trade and investment flows. Cambodia’s export base—garments, agriculture and, increasingly, processed foods—has sought diversified markets. Easier passenger connectivity often precedes cargo services; Etihad and local officials signaled they will explore freighter or belly-hold cargo options if volumes justify it. “Air links are often a precursor to deeper commercial ties,” noted an economist at a regional policy institute. “They reduce travel friction for investors and improve just-in-time logistics for higher-value goods.”

The launch also highlights policy levers Phnom Penh is deploying to attract carriers: relaxed bilateral slot arrangements, marketing support and streamlined visa processes for cooperative markets. Long-term, analysts say, sustained air link growth will require continued investment in airport capacity, hotel quality and regional tourism products to convert transit passengers into multi-night visitors.

For now, the Etihad service represents a tangible step in reconnecting Cambodia to Gulf capital and global networks—an outcome both sides argue will help the country diversify tourism sources, deepen trade links and attract capital as regional air travel rebounds.