Cambodia Targets 8 Million Air Passengers in 2026 Despite Global Headwinds

PHNOM PENH, Feb 27, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s civil aviation sector has set a target of 8 million air passengers in 2026, despite global geopolitical and economic uncertainties weighing on the industry, officials said Friday.

At its annual conference, the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) reported handling nearly 7 million passengers in 2025, up 12 percent from the previous year. Air cargo rose 21 percent to 93,889 tons, while 36 airlines connected Cambodia to 52 cities in 18 countries and regions.

Authorities noted traffic has yet to return to pre 2019 levels before the COVID 19 pandemic. “Although COVID 19 has subsided, air transport in Cambodia has not yet fully returned to 2019 levels,” said Dr. Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of the SSCA.

He cited conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia–Ukraine war and broader geopolitical tensions as factors affecting global aviation flows and market confidence.

For 2026, Cambodia aims to move 8 million passengers, 112,000 tons of cargo and more than 72,000 flight movements, driven by tourism, trade and cultural exchange. Officials said effective implementation of the National Air Transport Policy 2025–2035 will be critical to meeting these goals.