The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) Tuesday said that five or six new airlines will establish direct connections to Cambodia’s international airports, citing the country’s growing popularity as a tourist destination and a business hub.
SSCA’s Secretary of State and Spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha said that the SSCA has noted a steady increase in air aviation activity, suggesting that Cambodia’s airports are becoming increasingly attractive to both domestic and international travellers.
“There are a number of airlines in talks for operating in Cambodia. If nothing changes, five or six airlines will commence their flights directly to Cambodia by year-end,” Vutha told Khmer Times.
The anticipated influx of new airlines will not only enhance connectivity but also contribute to economic growth by stimulating tourism and trade, he added.
“As more airlines serve Cambodia, travellers will have a wider range of options for flights, potentially leading to lower fares and increased accessibility,” he said.
The SSCA’s announcement comes as a positive sign for Cambodia’s aviation industry, which has been steadily expanding in recent years.
In the first half of 2024, the country’s three international airports handled 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, SSCA report showed.
SSCA is projecting an impressive 67 percent growth in air traffic for the entire year compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic benchmark.
“With a steady growth in air aviation activities, we predict that the country’s airports will handle the number of air passengers to reach the level in 2019, the pre-pandemic period,” Vutha said.
The country’s efforts to modernize its airports and improve infrastructure have played a crucial role in attracting new airlines and boosting tourism.
Currently, there are three international airports, two of which – Phnom Penh International Airport and Sihanoukville International Airport – are under the management of Cambodia Airport. The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is under the management of the Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia).
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.
As of June, thirty-one international and domestic airlines have operated flights to the Kingdom’s three international airports, according to an official report.
(Source: Khmertimeskh)