Cambodia handled more than 4.15 million air passengers travelling in and out of the country during the first eight months of 2026, while air cargo volumes rose sharply despite a decline in passenger traffic.
From January through August, Cambodia recorded 4,159,753 two way air passengers, down 10% from the same period last year. At the same time, air cargo volume increased 17% to 66,559 tonnes, while the number of two way flights declined only 1% to 42,189.
The figures were released by Cambodia’s civil aviation authorities on September 16, highlighting a mixed performance across the country’s aviation sector.
Key Facts
| Key Information | January to August 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Two way flights | 42,189 | Down 1% |
| Two way passengers | 4,159,753 | Down 10% |
| Air cargo | 66,559 tonnes | Up 17% |
| 2025 full year flights | 64,821 | Up 11% vs. 2024 |
| 2025 full year passengers | 6,988,259 | Up 12% vs. 2024 |
| 2025 full year cargo | 93,889 tonnes | Up 21% vs. 2024 |
Passenger Traffic Falls While Cargo Expands
According to the civil aviation report, Cambodia’s aviation sector recorded contrasting trends during the first eight months of the year.
Passenger traffic fell by 10%, while air cargo increased by 17%. Flight activity, meanwhile, remained relatively stable, with the number of two way flights declining by just 1%.
State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Secretary of State and spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha said the figures show a divergence between passenger and cargo transportation.
The increase in cargo volumes suggests continued demand for air freight services even as passenger traffic has weakened.
More Than 42,000 Flights Recorded
Cambodia recorded 42,189 two way flights between January and August 2026.
The figure was only 1% lower than during the corresponding period of 2025, indicating that flight activity remained comparatively stable despite the decline in passenger numbers.
The relationship between flights and passenger traffic means that the reduction in passengers was substantially greater than the reduction in flight operations.
Air Cargo Reaches 66,559 Tonnes
Air freight performance was considerably stronger.
Cambodia handled 66,559 tonnes of air cargo during the first eight months of 2026, an increase of 17% compared with the same period a year earlier.
The civil aviation authorities highlighted the growth in cargo transportation as one of the notable developments in the sector.
Air connectivity plays a role not only in moving passengers but also in facilitating the transportation of goods, supporting commercial activity and connecting Cambodia with international markets.
Aviation Supports Tourism, Trade and Investment
Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Mao Havannall said civil aviation plays an important role in transporting both passengers and goods.
He highlighted the sector’s contribution to tourism, trade, investment and travel connectivity.
For Cambodia, aviation is particularly important to the tourism economy because international air connections provide access for visitors travelling to major destinations across the country.
Air freight also supports businesses that require faster international transportation of goods and products.
2025 Provided a Stronger Passenger Baseline
Cambodia’s aviation sector recorded stronger annual growth in 2025.
During the full year, the country handled:
| Indicator | 2025 | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Two way flights | 64,821 | +11% |
| Two way passengers | 6,988,259 | +12% |
| Air cargo | 93,889 tonnes | +21% |
Passenger traffic reached almost 7 million in 2025, while air cargo approached 94,000 tonnes.
Compared with 2024, flights increased 11%, passengers increased 12% and cargo increased 21%.
Comparing 2026 With the Previous Year
The first eight months of 2026 show a different pattern from the full year recorded in 2025.
While flight activity has remained relatively stable, passenger traffic has declined and cargo volumes have continued to grow.
| Indicator | Jan-Aug 2026 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 42,189 | Relatively stable |
| Passengers | 4.16 million | Declining |
| Cargo | 66,559 tonnes | Growing |
The figures indicate that aviation demand in Cambodia is currently showing different patterns across passenger and freight segments.
What the Numbers Mean for Cambodia’s Aviation Sector?
The passenger decline could affect airlines, airports, tourism operators and businesses that depend heavily on international visitor flows.
At the same time, the continued growth in air cargo points to sustained demand for freight connectivity.
The relatively small decline in flight operations compared with the larger passenger decrease also suggests that airlines and airports have continued maintaining connectivity despite lower passenger volumes.
Further data from the remaining months of 2026 will be needed to determine whether the passenger decline is temporary or part of a broader change in aviation demand.
Cambodia’s Aviation Connectivity Continues to Develop
Cambodia has continued investing in aviation infrastructure and connectivity, including the development of modern international airport facilities.
The country’s aviation authorities have also been working on safety, airspace management and regional connectivity as part of broader efforts to modernize the sector.
These developments are intended to strengthen the role of aviation in supporting tourism, trade, investment and broader economic activity.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia’s first eight months of 2026 reveal a clear divergence between passenger and cargo aviation. Passenger traffic declined 10%, while cargo increased 17% and flight movements remained almost stable. This suggests that the aviation sector’s performance cannot be assessed through passenger numbers alone, particularly as freight becomes an increasingly important component of connectivity.
The key issue for the remainder of 2026 will be passenger recovery. With aviation closely linked to tourism, trade and investment, passenger traffic will remain an important indicator of international connectivity and travel demand, while the continued expansion of air cargo could provide a separate source of growth for the sector.
FAQs
How many air passengers did Cambodia receive in the first eight months of 2026?
Cambodia recorded 4,159,753 two way air passengers between January and August 2026.
Did passenger traffic increase or decrease?
Passenger traffic decreased by 10% compared with the same period in 2025.
How many flights did Cambodia record?
Cambodia recorded 42,189 two way flights during the first eight months of 2026, down 1% year on year.
How much air cargo did Cambodia handle?
Cambodia handled 66,559 tonnes of air cargo, an increase of 17% compared with the same period in 2025.
How did Cambodia’s aviation sector perform in 2025?
In 2025, Cambodia recorded 64,821 two way flights, 6,988,259 passengers and 93,889 tonnes of air cargo.
Why is air cargo important to Cambodia?
Air cargo supports the movement of goods and contributes to Cambodia’s trade and international economic connectivity.
What sectors benefit from Cambodia’s aviation network?
According to Minister Mao Havannall, civil aviation contributes to tourism, trade, investment and travel connectivity.