Cambodia’s Air Passenger Numbers Fall 11% as Cargo Traffic Surges 18%

Cambodia’s Air Passenger Numbers Fall 11% as Cargo Traffic Surges 18%

PHNOM PENH, October 20, 2026 — Cambodia handled approximately 4.56 million air passengers during the first nine months of 2026, an 11% decline compared with the same period last year, while air cargo volumes increased by 18%, according to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).

SSCA Secretary of State and spokesperson Sinn Chanserey Vutha said Cambodia’s three international airports — Techo International Airport, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and Sihanoukville International Airport — handled a combined 4,558,155 arriving and departing passengers from January through September.

The decline came alongside a 2% decrease in aircraft movements, with a total of 46,721 take-offs and landings recorded during the period.

Air Cargo Traffic Grows 18%

Despite the decline in passenger numbers and flight movements, Cambodia’s air freight sector recorded significant growth.

The country transported a total of 76,294 tonnes of air cargo during the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 18% compared with the same period in 2025.

Overflight movements through Cambodian airspace also increased by 8%, reaching 69,149 flights, according to Sinn Chanserey Vutha.

Cambodia Maintains 48 Air Services Agreements

As of 2026, Cambodia had established 48 air services agreements (ASAs) with countries and partners around the world.

The agreements cover partners across Southeast Asia, East Asia, Southwest Asia, West Asia, Europe, Oceania, North America, South America and Africa.

The latest figures show contrasting trends in Cambodia’s aviation sector, with passenger traffic and aircraft movements declining while air cargo volumes and overflight activity continued to grow.