Cambodia aims to increase air passenger traffic to 7.5 million people in 2025, an increase of over one million compared to 2024, and to transport 80,000 tonnes of goods.

The plan was presented by Mao Havanall, minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), at the secretariat’s annual conference today, March 11. He emphasised the goal of boosting both passenger traffic and cargo transport via air routes.

In a same-day press release, the SSCA noted that it will work to increase passenger numbers, including streamlining procedures to support new flight operations by Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Phnom Penh, Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh and Emirates Airlines from Dubai to Siem Reap.

“We are facilitating and diligently issuing airport certificates on time and organising the transfer of flights from Phnom Penh International Airport to Techo International Airport, which is scheduled to begin operations in July this year,” added the statement.

Additionally, it will continue to “support Cambodian airlines to expand their operations and launch international flights”.

This year, the authority will continue negotiations and implement agreements for bilateral air transport services with the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, the UK and Pakistan, as well as multilateral ASEAN agreements with New Zealand.

In 2024, Cambodia welcomed 6.24 million air passengers, a 22 per cent increase compared to 2023.

Cargo transport amounted to 77,752 tonnes, a 40 per cent increase. During this period, there were 58,354 flights, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.