PHNOM PENH, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Airlines has launched its first-ever direct flights from Istanbul, the largest city of Türkiye, to Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, said a Cambodian senior official on Thursday.

Mao Havannall, minister in charge of Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said the airlines used a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft for the direct service between the two cities.

"It marks a significant achievement in our aviation development and reflects Cambodia's growing role as a dynamic and connected nation in the region and beyond," he said in a speech during the inaugural ceremony at the Techo International Airport.

He said the new route is not only an important milestone for Cambodia's aviation sector but also a symbol of deepening friendship and cooperation with Türkiye.

He added that increased air links are vital for promoting tourism, attracting investment, facilitating trade, and creating new opportunities for local people.

The airlines will operate three weekly flights, departing from Istanbul on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and returning from Phnom Penh on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

According to Havannall, the Turkish airlines is the 36th airline operating in the Southeast Asian country.

He said Cambodia now has direct air links to 46 cities in 17 countries and regions worldwide. Enditem