In Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s civil aviation sector is accelerating major reforms and infrastructure upgrades as the government targets handling eight million air passengers and 112,000 tonnes of air cargo in 2026. Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, border tensions, and slower passenger recovery following the pandemic, officials remain confident that Cambodia’s aviation industry can return to pre Covid 19 growth levels through stronger connectivity, digital modernisation, and expanded airport capacity.
The strategy was outlined this week by Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation during a meeting with a National Assembly commission delegation led by chairwoman Nin Saphon. Discussions focused on airport development, legal reforms, international aviation cooperation, and improving Cambodia’s global competitiveness in the aviation industry. More information about Cambodia’s aviation sector can be found through the official State Secretariat of Civil Aviation Cambodia.
Cambodia Eyes Major Passenger and Cargo Growth
Cambodia’s aviation authorities see 2026 as a turning point for the country’s air transport industry. Officials are aiming to restore passenger numbers to levels seen before the pandemic under the National Policy on Air Transport 2025 to 2035.
“Despite remarkable challenges from geopolitical instabilities, border tensions and incomplete recovery in passenger traffic post Covid 19, SSCA aims to restore aviation to pre pandemic levels under its National Policy on Air Transport 2025 to 2035, targeting eight million passengers and 112,000 tonnes of cargo in 2026,” Havannall said.
Although passenger traffic has shown signs of weakness during the first months of the year, cargo operations have remained strong. Cambodia recorded 2.4 million air passengers during the first four months of 2026, marking a four percent decline compared to the same period last year.
However, flight operations and cargo transport continued growing steadily. Flight movements rose two percent year on year to 23,204, while cargo volumes surged by 36 percent to 30,448 tonnes, highlighting Cambodia’s growing importance in regional logistics and supply chains.
Digital Modernisation and Legal Reforms
Officials acknowledged that Cambodia’s aviation sector still faces several structural challenges. Limited use of digital systems, shortages of technical staff, outdated equipment, and insufficient training budgets remain key obstacles for sustainable development.
“As the world is changing, limited use of digital systems, lack of equipment for daily work and human resources, lack of funds for skills maintenance training, and shortage of technical inspectors are barriers to the industry’s sustainable development,” Havannall explained.
To strengthen the sector, the SSCA is accelerating legal reforms and upgrading aviation management systems. The agency is implementing the 2025 Civil Aviation Law while also adopting ASEAN aviation agreements and ratifying the Montreal Convention 1999 to improve international cooperation and align Cambodia with global aviation standards.
Cambodia is also modernising its air traffic management systems through new digital and satellite based Communications, Navigation and Surveillance technologies. Officials believe the upgrades will improve radar coverage, communication systems, navigation accuracy, and overall flight safety.
New Airports Designed for Global Standards
One of the most ambitious parts of Cambodia’s aviation strategy is the development of modern international airports designed to meet global aviation requirements while showcasing Khmer identity and sustainable architecture.
“The 4E and 4F class airports have been designed to reflect local conditions, cultural identity, and green innovation, while meeting international aviation standards. Featuring distinctive Khmer inspired architecture and environmentally conscious elements, the airports are expected to offer a world class travel experience for passengers from around the globe,” Havannall stated.
Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport are expected to become major gateways for international tourism and business travel. Officials believe the upgraded facilities will help Cambodia attract leading international airlines from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
“Techo International Airport and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport are not only infrastructure successes but also guarantee security and safety according to high global standards and can attract top airlines such as Emirates, Qatar, or European and US companies to visit,” Havannall added.
Expanding International Connectivity
Cambodia currently operates three international airports with 33 airlines serving the market, including four domestic carriers and 29 international airlines. The country is now connected to eight ASEAN member states as well as major aviation markets including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Qatar.
The SSCA also revealed that Cambodia has signed air service agreements with 48 countries while continuing to strengthen aviation cooperation with strategic partners such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.
Tourism industry leaders believe improved air connectivity will play a critical role in sustaining visitor growth and supporting Cambodia’s broader economic recovery.
“Recent upgrades to airport facilities and broader air connectivity have significantly optimised travel convenience for incoming passengers,” said Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Tourism Association.
Aviation Sector Seen as Key Economic Driver
As Cambodia continues recovering from the pandemic, aviation remains one of the country’s most important sectors for tourism, trade, and foreign investment. Industry experts say the rapid growth in cargo transportation also reflects Cambodia’s expanding role in regional manufacturing and export supply chains.
The National Assembly delegation expressed strong support for additional legal reforms and aviation sector upgrades following the meeting, signalling continued government commitment to improving flight safety, strengthening international confidence, and expanding Cambodia’s role in Southeast Asia’s aviation industry.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s aviation sector is entering a major phase of transformation as authorities push to restore passenger traffic, strengthen cargo operations, and modernise airport infrastructure. Through digital innovation, international cooperation, and new world class airports, Cambodia hopes to position itself as a stronger regional aviation hub in Southeast Asia. While challenges remain, the country’s long term strategy reflects growing confidence in the future of Cambodia’s tourism, logistics, and air transport industries.