On the morning of January 6, 2026, the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia took a definitive step toward global aviation leadership. During its 4th session of the fifth legislature, 56 senators unanimously approved the draft Law on Civil Aviation, a massive legal framework comprising 25 chapters and 104 articles.
The session, chaired by H.E. Ouch Borith, First Vice President of the Senate, and defended by H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), represents a crucial upgrade to Cambodia’s airspace sovereignty and safety standards.
1. Why the New Civil Aviation Law is a Game-Changer
The previous 2008 laws were no longer sufficient to manage the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s aviation sector, especially with the 2025 opening of the Techo International Airport (TIA).
Key Objectives of the 104 Articles:
- ICAO Compliance: The law directly addresses deficiencies identified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during past audits. This ensures Cambodia meets the highest global safety and security benchmarks.
- Modernized Operations: It provides a legal basis for managing advanced aircraft types, drone integration, and the “4F” category operations (like the Airbus A380) now possible at our new airports.
- Environmental Responsibility: In line with the Pentagonal Strategy, the law introduces frameworks for reducing carbon emissions and promoting “green-aviation” practices.
2. Expanding Global Flight Paths: The ASEAN-EU Deal
Beyond domestic law, the Senate endorsed several major international agreements that will drastically expand where Cambodians can fly and who can fly to Cambodia.
- ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (CATA): This landmark deal—the first between two major regional blocs—paves the way for direct flights between Cambodia and Europe. It grants airlines “Fifth Freedom” rights, meaning more routes, lower ticket prices, and increased tourism.
- ASEAN-China Air Transport Protocol 3: This expands traffic rights between ASEAN and China, supporting deeper economic ties and facilitating the flow of Chinese investors and tourists.
- Service Packages 11 & 12: These align Cambodian aviation services with regional liberalization efforts, making our pilots, crews, and technicians more competitive in the ASEAN market.
3. Leadership Transition: Senate Recognizes New Appointments
The session also marked a transition in leadership. The Senate officially recognized H.E. Chhiv Yiseang as the new senator for the first regional constituency (Phnom Penh). He replaces H.E. Chem Vidhya, who has been promoted to a prestigious regional role as the Secretary-General of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) for a three-year term.
Conclusion: A Future-Ready Kingdom
With the unanimous approval of these laws, Cambodia is sending a clear message to the world: Our skies are open, safe, and governed by world-class standards.
This legislative victory, combined with the recent modernization of our airports and the introduction of the COMAC C909 fleet later this year, ensures that Cambodia’s aviation sector remains a powerful engine for Santepheap (Peace) and economic prosperity.