Cambodia aviation market grows rapidly as Cambodia Angkor Air and foreign carriers expand

Cambodia has emerged as one of the fastest growing markets in Southeast Asia, recording 18% passenger growth for the second consecutive year in 2013. Both of the country’s main airports, at the capital Phnom Penh and the popular tourist destination of Siem Reap, saw high double-digit growth.

Continued expansion at flag carrier Cambodia Angkor Air, which has tripled the size of its still relatively small international network over the past 18 months, should lead to more rapid growth in 2014. There will also be continued growth from foreign carriers, including from six carriers which entered the market in 4Q2013. But there is a threat of political instability potentially dampening demand.

The Cambodian market has almost doubled in size since 2009. But the growth comes from a relatively small base and after declines in 2008 and 2009, when Cambodia was significantly impacted by the global financial crisis.