Synopsis: The impressive growth is largely propelled by China’s tourism resurgence and stable regional demand.
Cambodia’s air transport sector is experiencing a robust rebound, with passenger traffic soaring by 16 percent in the first half ((H1) of 2025, reaching approximately 3.42 million passengers, a report of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) showed on Sunday.
The SSCA’s Mid-Year Economic Assessment of Cambodia’s Air Transport Sector highlighted the impressive growth, largely propelled by China’s tourism resurgence and stable regional demand.
Airline load factors remained stable, and flight frequencies have notably increased, indicating a healthy recovery in air travel demand, stated the report.
The SSCA’s report highlights that this impressive growth is largely propelled by the strong resurgence of tourism from China, with stable demand from key regional markets.
Both international and domestic passenger numbers contributed to the positive trend, with international traffic leading the increase.
The significant increase in passenger traffic, particularly driven by the return of Chinese tourists and consistent regional demand, said SSCA Secretary of State and spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha said.
Both international and domestic passenger numbers contributed to the positive trend, with international traffic leading the increase, he said.
Speaking with Khmer Times, Vutha said, “This positive momentum is a testament to the collective efforts in restoring confidence and capacity within our aviation industry.”
Despite the positive trends, the sector faces a set of critical challenges, including airport infrastructure readiness such as Techo Airport completion, Sihanoukville expansion and Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, global fuel price volatility, rising operational costs, and regional/geopolitical uncertainties such as border tensions.
Related to the border tension between Cambodia and Thailand, the SSCA stated that Thai airlines maintain normal operations despite border tensions.
Looking ahead, passenger growth is expected to continue; new routes, partnerships, Techo Airport commissioning and focus on sustainability, digital transformation, climate resilience, air service diversification, human capital development.
The Royal Government approved in April the National Policy on Air Transport 2025-2035, setting an ambitious target of 25 million air passengers by 2035.
It was designed to develop an efficient, sustainable, and resilient air transport in Cambodia through strengthening and expanding domestic, regional and air connectivity.
This National Policy is aimed at achieving air transport of 25 million air passengers and cargo at 205,000 tonnes by 2035.
