Emirates launches Cambodia service

The carrier will launch services from July 1 using a Boeing 777-300ER in a two-class configuration.

The route coincides with the launch of a direct non-stop service between Dubai and Vietnam capital Hanoi. This flight previously stopped in Myanmar’s Yangon, but that call will now be operated as part of the new Phnom Penh service. Emirates says it will be the only airline to fly directly between the two cities.

Emirates will time the departure of the Phnom Penh service to allow connections arriving from London, Paris and Frankfurt.

Emirates hopes the route will capitalise on growing interest in Cambodia among UK holidaymakers and corporate travellers. UK visitors numbers to Cambodia have more than doubled since 2006, and were up 16% in 2015.

Phnom Penh is a key access point for visitors heading to the Angkor Wat world heritage site, as well as being a major centre for garmet production.

A number of significant luxury hotel brands are also set to open in the country for the first time.

Rosewood Phnom Penh is said to be opening in the second half of 2017, with the group also said to be keen to open a hotel in Siem Reap by 2019.

Also coming this year, Alila Villas Koh Russey and Six Senses Krabey Island are set to open on islands just off the coast of Sihanoukville in the country’s south.