Cambodia Moves to Modernize Aviation Laws, Expand Regional and Global Connectivity

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 30, 2025) — Cambodia’s Senate has advanced efforts to modernize the nation’s civil aviation framework and expand international air connectivity, as lawmakers began reviewing draft laws aimed at strengthening links with the European Union, China and ASEAN partners.

At a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee of the Fifth Legislature chaired by First Vice President Ouch Borith, committees were assigned to examine a draft Law on Civil Aviation of the Kingdom of Cambodia, a major reform intended to update national aviation regulations.

The Standing Committee also tasked its Foreign Affairs and Public Works committees to review the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, designed to liberalize and expand air services between Southeast Asia and the European Union.

Lawmakers further approved reviews of the Third Protocol expanding Fifth Freedom Traffic Rights between ASEAN member states and China, a measure expected to boost flight routes, tourism and trade connectivity.

The Senate also moved to examine draft laws approving ASEAN Air Transport Service Packages 11 and 12 under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services.

 Cambodia welcomed 5.17 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2025, a 13.8% drop compared with the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Vietnamese tourists topped arrivals with 1.11 million, followed by 1.1 million Chinese, while Thai visitors fell sharply to about 1 million.