Cambodian Airports Report Over 5.1 Million Passengers in Nine Months of 2025
Cambodia’s aviation sector has marked a significant milestone in 2025, with the Kingdom’s three international airports welcoming over 5.1 million passengers in the first nine months of the year. This marks a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the country’s recovery and expansion in air travel.
According to a recent report from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), the growth reflects several contributing factors, including the government’s proactive “open sky policy” and Cambodia’s continued appeal as a premier tourist and investment destination. This rise in air passenger traffic aligns with the broader global recovery in aviation, but Cambodia’s performance has been particularly impressive, considering the ongoing economic challenges posed by global uncertainties.
A Strong Start to 2025: Key Figures
The report details an overall surge in air travel activity. The total number of flight movements (take-offs and landings) across Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport reached 47,637 in the first nine months of 2025. This represents a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2024, further demonstrating the growing demand for both international and domestic air connectivity.
Air cargo volume has also experienced notable growth, with 64,513 tonnes of goods processed during the period, up 14% year-on-year. This increase in air cargo signals a recovery in international trade and logistics, which are vital components of Cambodia’s economic expansion. As trade volumes rise, Cambodia is positioning itself as a regional hub for goods and services, supported by an increasingly robust aviation network.
Driving Forces Behind the Growth
The SSCA attributes this impressive growth to several key initiatives that have reshaped Cambodia’s aviation landscape. Foremost among these is the Cambodian government’s “open sky policy,” which has created a more competitive and accessible environment for international carriers. By encouraging greater air connectivity, the policy has attracted new airlines and facilitated easier travel between Cambodia and other parts of the world.
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, the Secretary of State and spokesperson for SSCA, emphasized the critical role of this policy in the sector’s growth. In an interview with Khmer Times, he said, “The remarkable growth in air passengers between January and September of this year shows a clear indicator that Cambodia’s aviation sector is on a positive growth track of strong recovery and expansion.”
Additionally, the country’s rich tourism appeal and increasing foreign investment have further boosted Cambodia’s aviation sector. Popular destinations like Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and Sihanoukville continue to draw visitors from across the globe, while foreign businesses are increasingly seeing Cambodia as a strategic location for expansion in Southeast Asia.
The Rise of New Infrastructure: Techo International Airport
A major factor fueling Cambodia’s aviation growth is the development of new infrastructure. The recent inauguration of Techo International Airport—an ambitious $2.3 billion project in Phnom Penh—is expected to play a key role in expanding the Kingdom’s air travel capacity. Prime Minister Hun Manet officially opened the airport on Monday, marking a historic milestone in Cambodia’s infrastructure development.
The airport’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to accommodate the growing demand for air travel while enhancing Cambodia’s appeal as a regional aviation hub. This new facility is set to offer modern amenities and improved connectivity, which will benefit both local passengers and international visitors.
In addition to Techo International, the government is also investing in other regional airports, such as those in Battambang, Mondulkiri, and Ratanakiri provinces. These new airports are part of Cambodia’s broader national development strategy to enhance air connectivity and facilitate economic growth across the country.
International Airlines Eyeing Cambodia
As Cambodia’s aviation sector grows, international airlines are also keen to tap into the expanding market. Currently, 32 airlines operate in Cambodia, including four domestic carriers. By the end of 2025, the country is expected to welcome several new international airlines, including Turkish Airlines, IndiGo, Firefly, Air Busan, and T’way. This influx of new carriers will further strengthen Cambodia’s international air connections, providing passengers with more options for travel to and from the Kingdom.
The increase in international carriers is expected to continue the momentum in Cambodia’s aviation industry, making the country an increasingly attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Cambodia’s Aviation
Looking to the future, the growth of Cambodia’s aviation sector appears poised to continue. The combined impact of enhanced infrastructure, a favorable regulatory environment, and the government’s commitment to increasing international connectivity will keep the sector on a positive growth trajectory.
As the country’s airports continue to modernize and expand, and as Cambodia attracts more international airlines and passengers, the aviation industry will remain a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic development.
In the coming years, Cambodia’s airports are likely to see even more impressive passenger growth, contributing to the country’s broader goals of tourism expansion, trade, and foreign investment.
