Cambodia and US Sign First Bilateral Open Skies Pact
Cambodia and US Sign First Bilateral Open Skies Pact
WASHINGTON DC, 1 July 2026 — Cambodia and the United States have signed their first bilateral Open Skies air transport agreement, marking a milestone in aviation cooperation and paving the way for expanded air connectivity between the two countries.
The agreement was signed on June 30 by Mao Havannall, Cambodia’s minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. It is the first bilateral air transport agreement between Cambodia and the United States and is expected to establish a modern framework for air services between the two countries.
State Secretariat of Civil Aviation spokesman Sin Chansereyvutha described the agreement as another major achievement following the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation’s (DFC) approval of a US$100 million financing package to support Cambodia’s new Techo International Airport.
He said the Open Skies agreement would allow airlines to provide more affordable, convenient and efficient air transport services for passengers and cargo operators while supporting tourism and trade between Cambodia and the United States.
According to Sinn, the agreement will also open new commercial opportunities for businesses, workers and travellers in both countries by expanding access to international aviation markets.
He added that the agreement grants seventh freedom cargo traffic rights, allowing cargo airlines to operate services between the United States and third countries without requiring flights to originate from or terminate in Cambodia.
