Aviation in Cambodia soars past Covid challenges in 2023

Following the decline in Covid-19 concerns since 2022, the global and regional civil aviation industry has begun its recovery, with Cambodia’s sector experiencing over 100% growth in 2023, although the upturn remains below the pre-pandemic growth levels. According to a report by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), the country welcomed 5,111,810 air passengers in 2023, more than doubling the 2022 figure of 1,407,972, comprising 1,957,600 Cambodians and 4,916,064 foreigners. The country had a total of 33 airlines, marking a 27% increase compared to 26 airlines in 2022, including four local and 29 foreign airlines. Cambodia’s three international airports handled a total of 51,149 flights, a considerable rise from 28,898, marking a 56% increase, consisting of 4,675 domestic and 46,474 international flights. An increase in flight-over numbers was also experienced, seeing 63,087 in 2023, up from 49,102 in 2022, an approximate 28% increase, as per the secretariat. SSCA undersecretary of state Sinn Chanserey Vutha told The Post that the figures demonstrate significant progress in the industry over the past year, following the severe impact of Covid-19.<br/>