Cambodia is strengthening its civil aviation sector through airport modernisation, tighter regulatory oversight and closer cooperation with regional and international aviation authorities as it seeks to improve safety, sustainability and connectivity.
The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) reaffirmed the commitment during the 61st Asia-Pacific Regional Directors General of Civil Aviation Conference, held in Kuala Lumpur from September 7 to 11.
The conference brought together aviation authorities from across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss the development of safe, secure, sustainable and efficient air transport.
Cambodia's participation comes as the Kingdom adjusts to a new airport network centred on Techo International Airport, while continuing to develop Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and Sihanoukville International Airport as gateways for tourism, trade and investment.
Key Facts
| Indicator | Cambodia's aviation sector |
|---|---|
| Regional conference | 61st Asia-Pacific Regional Directors General of Civil Aviation Conference |
| Conference location | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| Conference dates | September 7–11, 2026 |
| International passengers, Jan–Aug 2026 | 4.16 million |
| Year-on-year passenger change | -10% |
| Flight movements, Jan–Aug 2026 | 42,189 |
| Year-on-year flight change | -1% |
| Air cargo, Jan–Aug 2026 | 66,559 tonnes |
| Year-on-year cargo change | +17% |
| Airlines serving Cambodia | 33 |
| International airlines | 29 |
| Domestic airlines | 4 |
| Main international airports | Techo, Siem Reap Angkor and Sihanoukville |
Source: State Secretariat of Civil Aviation and Agence Kampuchea Presse.
Cambodia Focuses on Safety, Security and Sustainability
Minister in Charge of the SSCA Mao Havannall highlighted Cambodia's efforts to bring its civil aviation system into closer alignment with international standards.
SSCA Secretary of State and spokesperson Sinn Chanserey Vutha said Cambodia is prepared to support operations at its three principal international airports: Techo International Airport (KTI), Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS).
He said the modern facilities provide additional capacity for regional and intercontinental connectivity.
“Cambodia’s participation in the 61st Asia-Pacific Regional Directors General of Civil Aviation Conference strengthens and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to promoting the safety, security and sustainability of the civil aviation sector in line with the highest international standards and norms,” Vutha said.
The SSCA said Cambodia will continue working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), other member states and aviation industry stakeholders to strengthen regulatory oversight and technical capacity.
Three International Airports Form Cambodia's Aviation Network
Cambodia's airport infrastructure has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Techo International Airport became Cambodia's main gateway for Phnom Penh after commencing operations in September 2025. The airport is located about 20 kilometres south of Phnom Penh and covers more than 2,600 hectares across Kandal and Takeo provinces.
It is classified as a 4F international airport, allowing it to accommodate aircraft including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport continues to serve the country's largest tourism destination, while Sihanoukville International Airport supports access to Cambodia's coastal tourism and investment centre.
The SSCA said the three airports provide modern international gateway capacity and are expected to support the expansion of regional and intercontinental air connections.
Passenger Traffic Falls While Air Cargo Expands
Despite infrastructure improvements, Cambodia's aviation statistics for the first eight months of 2026 show mixed performance.
International air passenger traffic reached approximately 4.16 million between January and August, representing a 10% decline from the same period in 2025.
Flight movements declined by a smaller 1% to 42,189.
Air cargo, however, moved in the opposite direction. Cargo volumes increased 17% to 66,559 tonnes during the same period.
Cambodia Aviation Performance, January–August 2026
| Indicator | Jan–Aug 2026 | YoY change |
|---|---|---|
| International air passengers | 4.16 million | -10% |
| Flight movements | 42,189 | -1% |
| Air cargo | 66,559 tonnes | +17% |
The contrasting figures indicate that aviation demand is not moving uniformly across passenger and cargo markets.
The decline in passenger traffic comes after Cambodia recorded nearly 6.98 million air passenger movements in 2025, a 12% increase from 2024. The country also recorded 64,821 flight movements in 2025.
Cambodia Maintains 33 Airline Connections
The SSCA said 33 airlines, comprising 29 international and four domestic carriers, currently connect Cambodia with destinations across ASEAN, East Asia, South Asia and the Middle East.
The airline network gives Cambodia direct and connecting access to major regional markets while international hub carriers provide onward connections to destinations beyond Asia.
Earlier in 2026, Cambodia's aviation authorities said improved connectivity and increasing airline participation were supporting tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
Techo Airport Expands Cambodia's Gateway Capacity
The opening of Techo International Airport represents the largest recent change to Cambodia's aviation infrastructure.
The airport replaced Phnom Penh International Airport as the capital's principal commercial airport in September 2025.
Its 4F classification provides capacity for a broad range of aircraft and supports Cambodia's objective of expanding international air connectivity.
In June 2026, Techo International Airport was also included in the Prix Versailles 2026 list of the world's most beautiful airports, while Skytrax ranked it fifth among the world's best new airport terminals in its 2026 awards.
Beyond passenger capacity, the airport's infrastructure is intended to support the country's long-term development as a regional aviation and logistics gateway.
Siem Reap Airport Works to Restore Passenger Growth
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport continues to face the challenge of rebuilding passenger demand.
The airport handled 714,133 passengers during the first half of 2026. In 2025, it recorded approximately 1.47 million passengers, although that remained significantly below its 2019 passenger volume.
Airport authorities and the government have been discussing additional international connections, including potential routes from China, India, South Korea, the Middle East and ASEAN markets.
The effort is particularly important for Siem Reap because international air connectivity is closely linked to tourism demand for Angkor and the wider province.
Sihanoukville Supports Tourism, Trade and Investment
Sihanoukville International Airport remains another important component of Cambodia's three-airport system.
Its role extends beyond tourism, given Sihanoukville's position as a coastal economic centre with a deep-water port, industrial activity and investment projects.
The combination of airports, ports and road infrastructure gives Cambodia multiple gateways for connecting international visitors and cargo with different parts of the country.
Cambodia Strengthens International Aviation Cooperation
The SSCA said regional cooperation remains important as Cambodia works to improve aviation safety and regulatory capacity.
Through exchanges with other aviation authorities and cooperation with ICAO, Cambodia aims to strengthen technical expertise and regulatory oversight while supporting sustainable and inclusive aviation development.
This work includes maintaining aviation safety standards, improving operational oversight and adapting infrastructure and technical systems to changing industry requirements.
Cambodia has also expanded technical cooperation with aircraft manufacturers and international aviation partners.
In July, the SSCA and China's Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) signed a memorandum of understanding covering technology transfer, human-resource development, airport maintenance and technical assistance. The agreement is also intended to support the operational capacity of national carrier Air Cambodia and strengthen connectivity.
New Aviation Agreements Expand Connectivity Opportunities
Cambodia has also been strengthening bilateral aviation relationships.
In June 2026, Cambodia and the United States signed an Open Skies agreement designed to modernise air transport relations, facilitate commercial aviation and expand opportunities for passenger and cargo services.
The agreement includes all-cargo seventh-freedom traffic rights, providing additional flexibility for eligible cargo operations involving Cambodia, the United States and third countries.
Such agreements can provide an institutional framework for airlines to develop additional routes and services, although actual connectivity depends on commercial decisions by carriers and market demand.
Air Cargo Emerges as a Key Growth Area
The 17% increase in air cargo during the first eight months of 2026 contrasts with the decline in passenger traffic.
The development is relevant to Cambodia's broader economic strategy because air freight can support higher-value and time-sensitive goods, including electronics, manufacturing components, pharmaceuticals, perishables and other products requiring rapid international transportation.
The country's expanding airport infrastructure therefore has significance beyond tourism.
Better air cargo connectivity can complement Cambodia's seaports, roads and other logistics infrastructure as manufacturers and exporters seek access to regional and international markets.
Aviation and Cambodia's 2050 Development Goals
The SSCA said stronger aviation connectivity, sustainable development and regulatory capacity will contribute to Cambodia's longer-term development goals through 2050.
The sector connects tourism destinations with international markets while also supporting business travel, trade, investment and cargo movement.
For Cambodia, the challenge is therefore to ensure that infrastructure expansion is matched by effective regulation, trained aviation professionals, reliable airline connections and sufficient passenger and cargo demand.
Angkor Times Analysis
Cambodia's aviation sector is entering a new infrastructure phase, with Techo International Airport adding substantial capacity while Siem Reap and Sihanoukville continue serving important tourism and economic functions.
The latest data, however, shows that airport capacity and passenger demand are not necessarily moving at the same pace. Passenger traffic fell 10% in the first eight months of 2026, while flight movements declined only 1% and air cargo increased 17%. This makes route development, airline partnerships and market diversification important alongside infrastructure investment.
For Cambodia's aviation industry, the next stage will likely depend on how effectively the country converts modern airport infrastructure into stronger international connectivity and sustainable traffic growth. The combination of regulatory cooperation, new airline routes, cargo opportunities, technical training and international aviation agreements provides several channels for that development.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many international airports does Cambodia have?
Cambodia's main international airport network currently consists of Techo International Airport, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and Sihanoukville International Airport. The SSCA identifies all three as key international gateways.
How many air passengers travelled through Cambodia in the first eight months of 2026?
Cambodia recorded approximately 4.16 million international air passenger movements from January through August 2026, down 10% year on year.
How much air cargo did Cambodia handle?
Air cargo volume reached 66,559 tonnes during January–August 2026, representing a 17% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
How many airlines currently serve Cambodia?
The SSCA reported 33 airlines, consisting of 29 international and four domestic carriers.
When did Techo International Airport begin operations?
Techo International Airport began commercial operations on September 9, 2025, replacing Phnom Penh International Airport as the capital's main commercial airport.
What is the significance of Cambodia's aviation modernisation?
Modern airport infrastructure provides additional capacity for passenger and cargo operations, while stronger regulatory oversight and international cooperation are intended to support safety, security, sustainability and connectivity.