Senate Considers Major Aviation Reforms to Boost Tourism and Regional Connectivity

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 5, 2026) — Cambodia’s Senate on Monday convened a plenary session to review four draft laws aimed at modernizing the aviation sector as the government seeks to strengthen regional connectivity and revive tourism.

The session was chaired by Uch Borith, first vice president of the Senate, following a decision by the Senate’s Standing Committee to move forward with immediate deliberations.

The agenda included the formal recognition of newly appointed senators and consideration of four aviation-related draft laws. The first is the Draft Law on Civil Aviation of Cambodia, which updates the country’s aviation legal framework.

The second approves the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement between ASEAN and the European Union and its member states. The third approves Protocol 3, expanding Fifth Freedom traffic rights under the ASEAN–China Air Transport Agreement. The fourth approves implementation of the 11th and 12th air services packages under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services.

The National Assembly approved the four draft laws on Dec. 25, 2025, before forwarding them to the Senate for review and recommendation.

The legislative push comes as Cambodia works to revitalize its tourism industry and attract new airlines. The Ministry of Tourism reported 5.17 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, a 13.8% decline compared with the same period in 2024.

Vietnamese tourists topped arrivals with 1.11 million visitors, followed closely by 1.1 million Chinese. Thai arrivals fell sharply to about 1 million.

Officials said the aviation reforms are expected to expand regional routes, improve air service access, enhance cooperation with ASEAN partners, China and the European Union, and support Cambodia’s long-term tourism recovery.