Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), launched its first direct service between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Phnom Penh (KTI) this morning, establishing a new air link connecting Cambodia to the world. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the inaugural flight received a traditional water salute upon arrival at Cambodia's newly built Techo International Airport, where passengers were warmly welcomed by H.E. Huot Hak, Minister of Tourism, along with other senior officials. Etihad Airways will operate the non-stop service four times per week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on the Abu Dhabi-Phnom Penh route, and Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on the Phnom Penh-Abu Dhabi route. The airline stated that the new connection will enhance business and leisure travel opportunities, strengthening Cambodia's links with the Middle East and beyond. This marks Cambodia's latest direct route to the UAE, following Emirates Airlines, which has been operating servic es between Dubai and Phnom Penh via Singapore since May 1, 2024. Cambodia welcomed 4.08 million air travellers in the first seven months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 16 percent, as reported by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).