Cambodia’s aviation sector experienced a remarkable surge in 2024 with the three international airports collectively handling a record high of 6.2 million passengers, figures from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) showed yesterday.
The airports witnessed an increase of 14 percent of flight movements to 58,354 last year, according to the report, adding that air cargo transport reached nearly 80,000 tonnes, an increase of 40 percent compared to 2023.
SSCA’s Secretary of State and spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha attributed the airports’ positive performance to the government’s proactive measures in facilitating air travel and collaborative efforts of the airlines.
Talking to Khmer Times, Vutha said, “After the Covid-19 pandemic eased, flight connections gradually began to reopen, and security and attractive tourism policies have led to increased demand and flight connections.”
Vutha emphasized the importance of continuing investment in airport infrastructure to accommodate the growing passenger demand.
There are 31 national and international airlines operating flights to and from the three international airports, including 131 flights to and from Phnom Penh International Airport per day, 52 flights to and from Siem Reap Angkor International Airport per day, and 6 flights to and from Sihanoukville International Airport per day, read the report.
In 2025, flight connectivity is expected to increase further, while some airlines have already connected their service to Cambodia.
The Royal Government aims to further bolster the aviation sector’s growth by attracting new airlines, expanding flight route connectivity to key markets, and enhancing airport facilities.
Under the open sky policy, the government’s efforts to improve airport infrastructure and enhance aviation services have also contributed to the sector’s growth.
One of which is enhancing airport facilities is the construction of the $1.2 billion Techo International Airport, located in Kandal and Takeo province.
The 4F Class airport is scheduled to complete the construction and commence in July this year.
Located nearly 20 kilometres away south of Phnom Penh, it can receive long-haul transcontinental flights including giant aircraft such as Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Cambodia’s tourism sector has returned to its pre-Covid-19 status, with the Kingdom welcoming some 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, an increase of 22.9 percent compared to 2023 and an increase of 1.4 percent compared to 2019.
The largest number of foreign tourists visiting Cambodia are from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Laos, and the United States.
The country’s aviation sector has only gradually recovered by about 68 percent in 2024 compared to the situation before the pandemic crisis in 2019, Vutha said.
