US, Cambodia agree on Open Skies

Cambodia and the United States have officially concluded a landmark Open Skies aviation agreement after 12 years of detailed diplomatic negotiations. The draft Air Transport Agreement was finalised during a high-level meeting in Phnom Penh between U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hunt VanderToll and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol. The agreement legally opens the door for the eventual launch of direct commercial flights between U.S. cities and Cambodia. Cambodia is trying to boost international tourism. (PHOTO: Matt Driskill) It was also announced that the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved a $100 million strategic financing commitment to support and upgrade Cambodia’s major aviation infrastructure. Under parallel trade agreements, national carrier Air Cambodia is negotiating the procurement of up to 20 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to boost its long-haul and regional transport fleet. The deal aims to directly expand bilateral trade, tourism opportunities, and international corporate investment. While the diplomatic framework is finalised, immediate direct flights require two major hurdles to be cleared: Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation must achieve a Category 1 rating under the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program to verify compliance with global safety oversight standards and airlines must actively build and establish market demand to ensure long-haul routes connecting North America directly to Cambodia are profitable. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in late 2025 inaugurated Techo International Airport (KTI), Cambodia’s new international gateway. The opening marked a transformational moment for Cambodia’s travel, tourism, and economic development, underscoring the nation’s growing connectivity and emergence as a dynamic Southeast Asian hub and travel destination. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (centre) attends the inauguration of the airport. (PHOTO: OCIC) Operated by France’s VINCI Airports and supported by global partners including ATKINS, Heerim Architects, consultants such as Singapore’s Changi Airport, and construction firms from Cambodia, France, and China, the new airport is positioned to play a pivotal role in making Phnom Penh and Cambodia more accessible and attractive to travelers and investors worldwide. “Techo International Airport is a symbol of Cambodia’s progress and its growing role as a hub for travel, trade, and tourism in Southeast Asia,” said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of Cambodia Airport Investment Co. (CAIC)and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC). The new airport was developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co. (CAIC), a subsidiary of Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) in joint venture with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA). For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]