Cambodia’s aviation sector continues to show positive growth, with more than 22,000 flights and over 2.5 million passengers passing through the country’s three international airports in the first four months of 2025, according to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).

A progress report on air transport, obtained by The Post on May 8, revealed that from January to April 2025, the Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Preah Sihanouk international airports saw a total of 22,686 flights, representing a 17% increase over the same period in 2024. During the same period, there were 2,525,208 passengers, up 18%, and 22,350 tonnes of air cargo, a rise of 8%.

In April alone, there were 5,252 flights, up almost 12% from April 2024. Passenger numbers reached 564,573, an increase of more than 15%, while air cargo volume was stable, at 5,202 tonnes, nearly 3% higher.

Sinn Chanserey Vutha, SSCA spokesperson, told The Post that international air travel and cargo transportation have continued to see sustained growth. Currently, Cambodia maintains international flight connections with 12 countries, covering 34 cities worldwide. Four domestic airlines and 28 international carriers operate in Cambodia.

“The top six countries with the highest number of flights and passengers to and from Cambodia are Thailand, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and South Korea,” he said.

Cambodia’s aviation sector is expected to grow even further. On July 10, the Techo International Airport — a new 4F category airport — is scheduled to begin trial operations, replacing Phnom Penh International Airport. This major facility will accommodate large aircraft like the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800.

The airport is being developed in three phases. Phase 1 (2020–2030) will handle up to 15 million passengers per annum, Phase 2 (2030–2050) will see capacity grow to 30 million and Phase 3 (after 2050) will reach 45 million.

In 2024, Cambodia’s three international airports handled a total of 58,354 two-way flights, a 14% increase over 2023, and 6,241,842 passengers, up 22%. Air cargo totaled 77,752 tonnes, a 40% increase, according to the SSCA.