Cambodia’s aviation sector is experiencing a significant uptick in the first half of 2024 with the country’s three international airports handling a combined 3.03 million air passengers from January to June, up 22 percent from 2.48 million recorded in the same period last year.
Figures from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) showed that the airports saw a remarkable increase in flight movements to 28,725 during the period, a 16 percent rise year-on-year from 24,725 flight movements in the first half of last year.
The breakdown showed that Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) handled 2.28 million air passengers, a year-on-year increase of 18 percent, while Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) and Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) welcomed 719,982 air passengers, up 37 percent, and 35,463 air passengers, up 12 percent, respectively.
SSCA is optimistic about the sector’s continued growth this year, attributing the performance to several factors, including the easing of travel restrictions, increased tourist arrivals, and the expansion of air connectivity, said its undersecretary of state and spokesman Sin Chansereyvutha.
“The aviation industry is on a strong recovery path, exceeding our expectations,” Chansereyvutha told Khmer Times on Sunday.
SSCA is projecting an impressive 67 percent growth in air traffic for the entire year compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic benchmark, he said.
Under the open sky policy, the Cambodian government’s efforts to improve airport infrastructure and enhance aviation services have also contributed to the sector’s growth.
“SSCA will continue putting efforts in increasing direct flights to Cambodia from the region, the Middle East and also the European Union,” Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, recently said.
The construction of the $1.5 billion first phase of the new Techo International Airport (TIA) is now 78 percent complete and is set for full operation in the first semester of 2025.
Once in operation, the 4F-classified airport will be able to handle 13 million passengers per year.
