Economy

Private Sector Urges Direct Flights as Cambodia Approves Sweeping Aviation Reforms

Published

6 months ago

January 6, 2026

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 6, 2026) — Cambodia’s private sector is urging authorities to expand direct international flight connections as the country moves ahead with sweeping aviation reforms aimed at transforming it into a regional air hub.

Thourn Sinan, chairman of the Cambodia chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, said the overhaul could trigger new tourism growth but warned that Cambodia must reduce reliance on neighboring countries for air links.

“We cannot continue to depend on other countries. We must build our own direct air connectivity, especially across Asia — to China, India, Korea, Japan, Indonesia — and to Europe. These routes are urgently necessary for Cambodia,” Sinan said. He also called for stronger transparency and governance in the aviation sector, saying improved management would help attract more international tourists.

The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved the Draft Law on Civil Aviation, updating the 2008 framework with new regulations on drones, aerial operations, training, aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, meteorology, insurance, safety, security and environmental protection. The law comprises 25 chapters and 104 articles.

Lawmakers also ratified the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, cleared Protocol 3 of the ASEAN–China Air Transport Agreement expanding Fifth Freedom rights, and approved the 11th and 12th ASEAN Air Services Packages, paving the way for a more liberalized aviation market.

Civil Aviation Minister Mao Havannall said the reforms would attract international airlines, boost tourism and investment, expand passenger and cargo services, and strengthen connectivity across Asia and Europe.

Cambodia welcomed 5.17 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, down 13.8 percent from a year earlier, according to the ministry. Vietnamese tourists topped arrivals with 1.11 million, followed by 1.1 million Chinese, while Thai visitors fell sharply to about 1 million.