Six months after resuming daily flights to Phnom Penh, Emirates has firmly established itself as a key player in Cambodia’s tourism and economic development.
The United Arab Emirates-based airline’s return marks a major step forward for the aviation industry in Cambodia, aligning closely with the country’s tourism ambitions and the recent Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Cambodia.
Emirates, which operates a network spanning 148 destinations in 80 countries, has used its presence in Cambodia to not only expand its operations but also promote the Kingdom as an emerging travel destination.
In a recent roundtable discussion with Cambodian media, Mohammed Al Qassim, Emirates’ country manager for Cambodia, spoke optimistically about the airline’s role in connecting Cambodia with the rest of the world, and its deepening collaboration with local tourism authorities.
Since the airline resumed daily flights between Phnom Penh and Dubai via Singapore in May, passenger demand has seen steady growth.
This surge in interest is reflective of broader trends in global travel, as Cambodia increasingly garners attention from international tourists.
“We have noticed that Phnom Penh is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for passengers across our global network,” said Al Qassim.
Al Qassim said the airline has showcased the nation’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes through a global advertising campaign. Hong Raksmey
“Passenger demand for our Singapore-bound leg is also growing steadily, which bodes well for the city’s future as a key travel hub,” he added.
This optimistic outlook comes on the heels of a concerted effort by Emirates to promote Cambodia’s tourism assets.
Through strategic marketing campaigns, the airline has showcased the nation’s rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes.
Notably, two promotional videos featuring Emirates’ cabin crew exploring the temples of Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh’s Independence Monument were shared globally, helping boost Cambodia’s profile among international travellers.
“Since the first week of May, we’ve made a concerted effort to promote Cambodia through our media channels, featuring destinations like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap,” Al Qassim said.
“Our cabin crew, who were seen visiting Angkor Wat in our videos, played a crucial role in putting Cambodia on the global map,” he explained.
Beyond traditional advertising, Emirates has worked closely with the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and the Cambodian Tourism Board (CTB) to further develop the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure.
This collaboration aims to bring more international arrivals to the country and support its tourism goals, as outlined in the tourism ministry’s “BUILD Plus 3Ds strategy”, which focuses on enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Al Qassim explained that Emirates has worked closely with the tourism ministry and the Cambodian Tourism Board (CTB) to further develop Cambodia’s tourism infrastructure. Hong Raksmey
Al Qassim expressed his optimism about these partnerships.
“We have great hopes for the CTB’s continued role in promoting the country as a top destination. Our collaboration with them is ongoing, and we are excited to see the upcoming developments,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Emirates plans to expand its role by enhancing its operations in the Kingdom, including expanding its retail presence.
In 2025, Emirates is set to open a new travel shop in central Phnom Penh, aimed at making it even easier for Cambodian passengers to access the airline’s services and book flights to destinations across the globe.
Its operations are not limited to Phnom Penh. The airline is also eyeing Siem Reap as a potential addition to its growing network.
“We are closely monitoring and evaluating the possibilities of flying to Siem Reap,” Al Qassim confirmed.
“There is great potential there, especially given the growth of tourism in the region and the proximity to Angkor Wat. We are optimistic about this opportunity and are waiting for the right time to introduce direct services,” he explained.
Moreover, the airline is equally excited about the upcoming transition to Phnom Penh’s new Techo International Airport.
“We are very positive about moving to Techo International Airport,” said Al Qassim. “It’s a new airport, with modern facilities, and we are ready to support the Cambodian government’s vision to expand international connectivity.”
In November, Emirates reported a significant spike in demand during the Cambodian Water Festival, with flights operating at full capacity from Phnom Penh.
The airline has seen robust growth in both passenger numbers and cargo.
Over the past six months, Emirates has carried an estimated 19,000 passengers and transported more than 3,000,000 kilogrammes of cargo.
Emirates highlighted its top five destinations from Cambodia as Dubai, Singapore, France, Switzerland and the UK.
These routes have seen the strongest demand over the past six months, underscoring the airline’s role in facilitating both business and leisure travel between Cambodia and key international markets.
“Meanwhile, flights arriving in Cambodia are predominantly coming from France, Singapore, the UK, Italy, and the UAE, reflecting a balanced flow of travellers between Cambodia and major global hubs,” said Al Qassim.
The UAE-Cambodia CEPA: A new era for trade and investment
One of the major developments in the broader economic landscape is the UAE-Cambodia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into effect in January of this year.
The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral trade by eliminating tariffs, reducing non-tariff barriers and fostering collaboration across industries.
For Emirates, CEPA offers a significant opportunity to support the growing demand for cargo and business travel between the two nations.
As Al Qassim pointed out, “CEPA has given the airline sector a much-needed boost, enhancing connectivity for businesses and passengers between Cambodia and the UAE.”
According to reports, he said, trade and cargo between Cambodia and the UAE saw a 7 per cent increase this year alone, a trend that is expected to continue as the countries leverage the new partnership.
“CEPA is not just about passenger travel; it’s also about enhancing cargo and trade flows,” Al Qassim added.
“With this agreement, we are seeing positive growth in cargo handling and facilitating the movement of businesspeople and investors between Cambodia and the UAE. This is a win-win for both economies.”
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