Cambodia Air Freight Jumps 34% Despite Passenger Decline

Cambodia Air Freight Jumps 34% Despite Passenger Decline

PHNOM PENH, June 23, 2026 – Cambodia’s air cargo volumes rose sharply during the first five months of 2026 despite a modest decline in passenger traffic, highlighting resilient trade activity and strengthening supply chains, civil aviation officials said.

Data from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation showed Cambodia handled 2.87 million air passengers between January and May, down 6% from the same period last year.

In contrast, air freight volumes increased 34% year-on-year to 38,951 tonnes over the same period.

Sin Chansereyvutha, Secretary of State and spokesman for the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said the divergence between falling passenger numbers and rising cargo volumes marked a significant trend for Cambodia’s aviation sector.

He said previous declines in passenger traffic had typically been accompanied by weaker cargo volumes, but the current increase in freight suggested stronger economic activity, with much of the cargo supporting manufacturing supply chains.

According to the Civil Aviation Secretariat, Techo International Airport (KTI) handled 97.9% of Cambodia’s international air cargo during the period, reinforcing its role as the country’s primary air freight hub.

As of June 2026, Cambodia’s international aviation network served 18 countries and 46 cities through 36 airlines operating a combined 1,024 flights per week across the country’s three international airports.

Cambodia handled nearly 6.99 million international air passengers in 2025, an increase of 12% from the previous year, according to official data.