Cambodia’s Air Cargo Traffic Soars 34% Despite Passenger Decline

PHNOM PENH, June 22, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s civil aviation sector posted robust growth in air cargo traffic during the first five months of 2026, even as passenger demand softened, underscoring the Kingdom’s rising role as a regional logistics hub, officials said Monday.

Air cargo volume reached 38,951 tonnes between January and May, a 34 percent increase compared with the same period last year, according to Sinn Chanserey Vutha, spokesman for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). Passenger traffic fell 6 percent to 2.87 million travelers, while flight movements edged up 1 percent to 27,843.

The SSCA described the sector’s performance as “bifurcated,” with stable flight operations, strong cargo-led growth, and weakening passenger demand. The trend was evident across Cambodia’s four international airports: Techo International (KTI), Siem Reap Angkor (SAI), Sihanouk (KOS), and Dara Sakor (DSY).

In May alone, Cambodia handled 4,639 flights carrying 446,075 passengers and transporting 8,503 tonnes of cargo. Passenger numbers dropped 14 percent compared with April, but cargo throughput surged 31 percent month-on-month, highlighting the resilience of freight operations.

Techo International Airport was the main driver of cargo growth, processing 8,463 tonnes of freight in May—virtually all of Cambodia’s international cargo for the month. The airport also served more than 342,000 passengers and recorded 3,245 flight movements.

Cambodia’s aviation network currently connects to 18 countries and 46 cities via 36 airlines operating about 1,024 weekly flights. Key regional transit hubs include Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul.

Officials stressed the strategic importance of air cargo as Cambodia deepens integration into global manufacturing and supply chains. Taiwan remains a major source of high-tech goods, semiconductor components and industrial materials, while export-oriented industries are fueling demand for outbound freight.

Despite the strong cargo performance, the SSCA cautioned that declining passenger demand and geopolitical disruptions pose risks. Recent tensions in the Middle East exposed vulnerabilities in long-haul connectivity through Gulf hubs, prompting calls for diversified partnerships across ASEAN and Northeast Asia.

The SSCA said 2026 marks a turning point for Cambodia’s aviation sector. The launch of Techo International Airport, combined with cargo growth and expanding international links, offers new opportunities to cement the Kingdom’s position as a regional aviation and logistics gateway.