Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Cambodian government has officially decided to observe Civil Aviation Day annually on December 7th. This significant initiative aims to further elevate and accelerate the development of the nation’s burgeoning aviation sector.
Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized the critical role of the civil aviation sector, describing it as an indispensable strategic production factor for Cambodia’s ongoing socio-economic development. He highlighted the extensive benefits of robust air transport:
“National and international air transport facilitates travel, enhances cargo movement, boosts commercial activities and tourism, and strengthens social connections, all of which contribute significantly to increasing national revenue,” Prime Minister Hun Manet stated in a circular detailing the organization of Civil Aviation Day in Cambodia on December 7th.
This new annual observance comes on the heels of the Cambodian government’s introduction of the National Policy on Air Transport 2025-2035. This policy seeks to build upon and continue the successful “Open Sky” policy, originally implemented in April 1999.
According to the circular, which was signed by the head of government on October 9th, the establishment of Civil Aviation Day is intended to bolster competitiveness, foster economic diversification, and promote sustainable socio-economic growth. The day also aims to expand the connectivity of supply chains and value chains, both regionally and globally.
Through the framework of the 10-year National Policy on Air Transport, the government projects substantial growth for Cambodia’s aviation sector. By 2035, the country anticipates handling 25 million national and international air passengers and 205,000 tons of air cargo. These ambitious targets are set to contribute significantly to Cambodia’s overarching vision of achieving high-income status by 2050.
Aligning with both the national policy and the spirit of international civil aviation, the government has therefore designated December 7th as the day for this annual celebration. The year 2025 will mark the inaugural observance of Civil Aviation Day, with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) tasked with its organization.
Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed that the preparations for this day should be conducted responsibly and inclusively, encouraging voluntary participation from relevant ministries, institutions, and stakeholders. Proposed activities include:
* **Aviation Exhibitions:** Showcasing various achievements within the aviation sector over the years.
* **Educational Visits:** Arranging opportunities for students from educational institutions to visit and understand the practical operations of international airports, national airlines, and air traffic control companies.
* **Public Awareness Campaigns:** Organizing educational programs focused on aviation security and safety management, the adoption of new technologies, and promoting the vital importance of civil aviation in driving economic growth, trade, tourism, and job creation. These campaigns will also highlight Cambodian culture to a global audience.
Furthermore, the SSCA is mandated to spearhead initiatives for innovation and environmental protection within the civil aviation sector. This includes actively encouraging young men and women to pursue careers and contribute to Cambodia’s civil aviation industry.
International cooperation is also a key focus, with civil aviation authorities urged to foster collaborations for the development of air transport in Cambodia. Social media campaigns will be launched to share essential information, real-world images, and data illustrating the progress of the civil aviation sector nationally, regionally, and internationally.
In recognition of outstanding contributions, the circular also directs the SSCA to organize award ceremonies and present commendations to both public and private sector personnel who have demonstrated exceptional performance in Cambodia’s civil aviation industry.
Cambodia’s civil aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. The country has successfully developed and launched several new international airports, alongside securing new direct flight routes from major global destinations. A particularly notable achievement is the emergence of the Techo International Airport, a 4F-level facility that significantly strengthens Cambodia’s air transport capabilities.
Techo International Airport represents a historic advancement for Cambodia, boasting world-class scale and design. It has been recognized as one of the world’s most impressive architectural marvels for its innovative and sustainable design. This state-of-the-art airport is equipped to handle long-haul, intercontinental flights, capable of accommodating large aircraft such as the Airbus A380-800 and the Boeing 747-800. According to civil aviation assessments, the Techo International Airport ranks 9th globally among 4F category airports.
Reports from the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation indicate continued strong performance across the sector. For the seven-month period from January to July 2025, Cambodia’s three international airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville) collectively managed 37,492 inbound and outbound flights. This represents a nearly 16 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. During this time, passenger traffic, including both arrivals and departures, reached 4.08 million people, also marking an increase of nearly 16 percent. Air cargo volume, covering both imports and exports, amounted to 47,218 tons, showing a robust growth of 28 percent.
