Cambodia’s aviation sector is working to improve its international flight connectivity by requesting that the government ratify three new agreements and protocols.
At present, Cambodia has three international airports, most notably Techo International Airport (TIA), which is classified as a 4F category facility, meaning it can handle the world’s largest wide-body commercial passenger aircraft.
Sinn Chansereyvutha, spokesperson for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), told The Post on November 26 about the new agreements and protocols it is seeking to join, noting that they align with the open-sky policy of the Head of Government.
He explained that they include the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement between the Governments of the ASEAN Member States and the EU, the Third Protocol to expand fifth freedom traffic rights between the parties under the Air Transport Agreement between the ASEAN members and China, and the Protocol for Implementing Package 11 and Package 12 on air transport services under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS).
Chansereyvutha stressed that the three are extremely important for Cambodia’s aviation sector.
He noted that the ASEAN-EU agreement will offer numerous benefits.
It will demonstrate goodwill and strengthening aviation cooperation, enhancing Cambodia’s international reputation. It will also promote economic activity, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the peoples of both regions.
He also suggested that it would encourage more airlines to plan routes between Cambodia and the EU, through third, fourth and fifth freedom rights, as well as code-sharing for international passenger and cargo transport. It would also ensure fair and transparent competition for Cambodian airlines and those from ASEAN and the EU.
Chansereyvutha also explained how the ASEAN-China agreement will support the growth of the Kingdom’s aviation industry, by promoting close connections between the peoples of Cambodia, China and ASEAN. It would also encourage Cambodian and Chinese airlines to expand their flight operations under fifth freedom rights between Cambodia and China via ASEAN destinations for international passengers and cargo.
From January to October 2025, Cambodia’s three international airports (Techo International Airport, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and Sihanoukville International Airport) recorded 52,954 flights, an increase of 12% over the same period in 2024. The three airports handled 5,665,129 passengers, an increase of 14%, and 74,912 tonnes of cargo, also up 14%.
At present, a total of 34 airlines operate in Cambodia — 4 domestic and 30 international.
