Middle East Conflict Could Disrupt Tourism to Cambodia and ASEAN, Says PATA  

 PHNOM PENH, Mar. 6, 2026 (KPT) — Ongoing conflict in the Middle East could disrupt tourism flows to Cambodia and Southeast Asia by affecting global aviation routes and travel connectivity, the head of the Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Cambodia Chapter said Thursday.

Thourn Sinan warned that tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran could significantly impact global tourism and economic activity, including travel to ASEAN destinations.

He noted that major Middle Eastern carriers — Qatar Airways via Doha, Emirates via Dubai and Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi — play a critical role in connecting international travelers to Southeast Asia. “If these aviation hubs face disruptions due to the conflict, it will inevitably affect global tourism and economic activity,” Sinan said, adding that rising oil prices could further pressure the travel industry.

Sinan said Cambodia may face less severe disruption than some regional destinations, as the country also receives tourists through alternative routes, particularly via China.

Civil aviation spokesman Sinn Chanserey Vutha said more than 9,500 flights passing through the Middle East were cancelled between Feb. 28 and Mar. 3 due to the escalating conflict. Tourism experts cautioned that prolonged instability could undermine global air travel networks and slow Asia’s tourism recovery.