Cambodia has set the ambitious goal of transporting 25 million passengers and 205,000 tonnes of cargo by air in 2035.

The “National Aviation Policy 2025–2035” was discussed by the Council of Ministers during an April 4 plenary session, led by Prime Minister Hun Manet.

According to a statement by Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, achieving the goal will require that national policy focus on several core strategies.

These include promoting the liberalisation of air traffic rights, route objectives and transport capacity, as well as liberalising ownership and control of airlines.

He suggested that foreign investors may be allowed to hold up to 100% ownership and direct management of airlines, as long as they are based within Cambodia.

Additionally, the strategy will emphasise the liberalisation of supporting services for air transportation, particularly those at international airports, maintenance and repair services, and air cargo transportation.

The policy focuses on ensuring fair competition, the use of technology, integration with tourism and trade and cultural policies, as well as improved service quality and the protection of passengers.

Havannall explained that the policy will continue the “Open Skies” policy introduced by former Prime Minister Hun Sen in 1999, and will support the positive outcomes seen in the Kingdom’s air transport sector in 2024.

“We strongly hope that Cambodia’s aviation sector will see significant growth, strengthen domestic and international air connectivity, and ensure the sustainability of Cambodia’s socio-economic development,” he added.

As of 2024, Cambodia had established international air connectivity with 12 countries and special administrative regions, connecting to 34 capital and major cities across the region and the globe, through 31 domestic and international airlines.

Last year, Cambodia recorded 6.24 million air passengers, a 22 per cent rise on 2023, and 77,800 tonnes of air cargo, up 40 per cent, noted Havannall.