Record breaker: Turkish Airlines adds Cambodia as 132nd country in its network
December 18, 2025
Flying to more destinations than any other airline, Turkish Airlines has now added Phnom Penh in Cambodia to its network.
Turkish Airlines sets Guinness World Record
Turkish Airlines, which in December 2024 set the Guinness World Record for the ‘Most Countries flown to by an airline’, is currently the only European carrier to serve the Cambodian capital.
Flights will be operated three times a week. They will depart Istanbul on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The addition of Phnom Penh was initially confirmed earlier this year.
“We continue to expand our network connecting continents and strengthen our connections with strategic destinations,” said Bilal Ekşi, CEO, Turkish Airlines.
“The launch of Phnom Penh flights marks a significant step forward in this goal.”
Cambodia is the 7th country served by Turkish in Southeast Asia, while Phnom Penh is the 11th city in the region. The Phnom Penh route expands the airline’s Far East network to 20 cities and 21 airports.
Ekşi added that the flights to Cambodia will present exciting opportunities for both tourism and business travellers. “Additionally, as the only European carrier serving this destination, we will further solidify our leadership in the region.”
A key destination for both tourism and trade, Phnom Penh boasts a rich cultural heritage. The new air link will help strengthen ties between the two countries. It will also contribute to the economic growth of this emerging market.
Turkish Airlines is on a roll as it wraps up a successful 2025
The airline has had a successful year to date with passenger traffic up on 2024 figures. The total number of passengers between January and November 2025 increased by 8.4% to 85.3 million compared to the same period last year. The number of international-to-international passengers carried increased by 12.8% to 32.5 million from 28.8 million for the same period in 2024.
Total load factor was 83.2%, while available seat kilometres (ASK)increased by 7.4% to 249.9 billion, up from 232.8 billion for the same period in 2024. By the end of November 2025, the number of aircraft in the fleet was 513.
Istanbul remains the airline’s primary hub with over 98% of its flights departing or arriving there. The Turkish capital’s location is key to the airline’s growth strategy. Its geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa allows the airline to connect all three continents as well as the Americas more efficiently than many of its competitors.
Global growth: Southwest agreement strengthens US presence
The Turkish carrier has also set its sights on expansion in the US following a partnership with Southwest Airlines announced on 17 December.
The interline agreement will enable travellers to purchase connecting Southwest and Turkish flights with a single ticket. It is scheduled to begin in early 2026,
Turkish Airlines flies to 10 US cities served by Southwest, which will serve as gateways for the interline deal. The agreement is one of six partnerships Southwest has announced with overseas carriers this year.
Turkish Airlines fleet expansion
In line with its Vision 2033, which underscores Turkish Airlines’ 100th anniversary, the airline is currently expanding its fleet beyond 800 aircraft. As part of this expansion, the airline is increasing the proportion of next-generation aircraft to 90% by 2033 and 100% by 2035.
In September, the flag carrier confirmed an agreement with Boeing to add 75 widebody aircraft to its fleet. The order includes Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 models. Deliveriew are expected between 2029 and 2034.
The order consists of 50 firm and 25 option orders. Turkish Airlines also announced its intent to purchase up to 150 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX aircraft. In total, the airline’s September order totalled 225 Boeing planes.
“This landmark agreement represents much more than fleet growth,” said Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and executive committee, Prof. Ahmet Bolat. “It is a reflection of our leadership in the industry as well as our dedication to innovation and operational excellence. The addition of these advanced Boeing aircraft to our fleet will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also become a significant element supporting Turkish Airlines’ 2033 Vision of expanding our fleet to 800 aircraft.”
Already operating more than 200 Boeing aircraft, Turkish Airlines’ fleet includes 787-9, 777, 737 MAX and next-generation 737 and 777 freighters. It also features Airbus aircraft including A319100, A320-200, A321-200, A320neo, A321neo, A330-200, A330-300 and A350-900 aircraft.
Boeing commercial president and CEO Stephanie Pope added: “We are honoured that Turkish Airlines has once again chosen the 787 Dreamliner and 787 MAX to power its future growth. As a proud partner to Turkiye and the Turkish aviation industry for 80 years, we look forward ot continuing our support of Turkish Airlines as they expand operations and deliver exceptional experiences to their passengers.”
Featured image: Turkish Airlines
