Cambodia’s aviation industry is entering a transformative phase, rising on the wings of renewed tourism, new airport developments, and growing regional integration. From the temple town of Siem Reap to the bustling capital of Phnom Penh, air travel has become a vital lifeline connecting Cambodia to the rest of Southeast Asia and beyond. The country’s air transport sector, though smaller than its neighbors, reflects both the resilience and ambition of a nation ready to redefine its place in the skies.
At the heart of Cambodia’s air connectivity is Cambodia Angkor Air, the national flag carrier established in 2009 as a joint venture between the Cambodian government and Vietnam Airlines. Branded as “The Proud National Flag Carrier,” the airline operates domestic routes between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, while also linking Cambodia to key international destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Guangzhou, and Singapore. With a modest but efficient fleet, Cambodia Angkor Air has played an essential role in supporting tourism, trade, and national mobility.
Complementing it are several private and low-cost carriers, including Lanmei Airlines, Sky Angkor Airlines, and Cambodia Airways, which have expanded both domestic and regional connectivity in recent years. These airlines cater to Cambodia’s growing demand for affordable travel, particularly from tourists drawn to the country’s cultural heritage sites, pristine beaches, and emerging urban centers. However, competition is intense and often challenging for smaller operators to sustain profitability in a market still recovering from the pandemic and fluctuating tourism trends.
Cambodia’s air transport infrastructure is anchored by its three major international airports — Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport. These facilities have been developed and managed under long-term concession agreements by Cambodia Airports, a subsidiary of the French group VINCI Airports, which has invested heavily in modernizing terminals, runways, and passenger services.
Before the pandemic, Cambodia’s airports handled more than 11.6 million passengers annually, with Siem Reap — the gateway to Angkor Wat — accounting for nearly half of that number. Phnom Penh International Airport, the busiest of the three, serves as the country’s main hub for business and international travel, connecting Cambodia to over 30 destinations worldwide. Although passenger traffic declined sharply during the global shutdown, recovery is now well underway, fueled by the return of international tourists and the reopening of regional routes.
One of the most ambitious developments in Cambodia’s aviation landscape is the construction of the Techo International Airport, located about 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. Once completed, this massive project — spanning over 2,600 hectares — will replace the existing Phnom Penh International Airport and is expected to handle up to 50 million passengers per year when fully operational. Scheduled to open in 2025, the new airport will be one of the largest in Southeast Asia and a game-changer for Cambodia’s aviation and logistics industries.
In addition, the newly inaugurated Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, which began operations in late 2023, has already transformed air access to Cambodia’s most famous tourist destination. The new facility can accommodate large wide-body aircraft and is projected to handle 7 million passengers annually in its initial phase. For Siem Reap, this upgrade represents not only an investment in tourism but also a strategic move to position the city as a global travel hub for cultural and eco-tourism.
While Cambodia’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, challenges persist. Safety oversight, regulatory standards, and workforce training remain top priorities for sustainable growth. The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) has made significant progress in strengthening safety protocols and aligning with international aviation standards, but continued investment in infrastructure and human capital is needed to maintain confidence among international carriers and travelers. The smaller domestic airlines often face operational hurdles due to limited technical expertise, rising fuel costs, and fluctuating demand, particularly during off-peak tourism seasons.
Another major challenge is economic vulnerability. Cambodia’s aviation market heavily depends on tourism, which makes it highly sensitive to global shocks — from pandemics to geopolitical shifts. The reliance on international visitors means that any disruption in global travel patterns can quickly impact passenger numbers and airline revenues. To mitigate these risks, Cambodia is now looking to diversify its aviation strategy, promoting domestic travel and regional business connectivity alongside traditional leisure tourism.
Yet, opportunities abound. Cambodia’s central location in the Mekong subregion makes it an ideal bridge between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos — three of its major neighbors with booming aviation sectors. The country’s ongoing airport expansions and improvements position it to capture more regional air traffic, cargo logistics, and investment opportunities. Moreover, as ASEAN continues to promote open skies policies, Cambodia stands to benefit from increased market liberalization, code-sharing agreements, and cross-border airline partnerships.
Environmental sustainability is also becoming an emerging theme in Cambodia’s aviation future. New airport projects are being designed with energy-efficient systems, solar technology, and waste management initiatives to align with international green standards. This reflects a growing awareness that aviation growth must be balanced with environmental responsibility — particularly in a nation renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
In the coming years, the skies over Cambodia are expected to grow busier, brighter, and more competitive. With modern airports, a revitalized national carrier, and strategic geographic positioning, Cambodia’s air transport sector is set to take on a larger role in the region’s economic landscape. Still, the key to success will lie in maintaining safety, improving efficiency, and sustaining the delicate balance between growth and responsibility.
From the soaring towers of Phnom Penh’s new airport to the runways of Siem Reap where travelers once again flock to the temples of Angkor, Cambodia’s aviation story is one of ambition and renewal. The nation that once looked up at passing planes is now firmly in control of its own flight path — and the horizon looks promising.
