July 2, 2026
PHNOM PENH – The Cambodian and US governments have signed their first-ever bilateral “Open Skies” air transport agreement, a landmark deal expected to bring significant benefits to the aviation sectors of both countries, particularly by helping Cambodia’s civil aviation industry to meet international standards.
The signing ceremony took place at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on June 30, 2026. The agreement was signed by Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), and Christopher Landau, United States Deputy Secretary of State.
“This Agreement is the first bilateral air transport agreement between the two countries and will bring the civil air transportation relationship between Cambodia and the United States to the highest modern standards,” explained an SSCA statement.
SSCA spokesperson Sinn Chansereyvutha noted that the milestone agreement follows the recent approval by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) of a $100 million financing package to support Cambodia’s Techo International Airport (KTI), underscoring the growing commercial relationship between Cambodia and the US.
He added that the “Open Skies” agreement will enable airlines to provide more affordable, convenient and efficient air transport services for passengers and cargo operators, while also promoting tourism and trade between the two countries.
The agreement also grants Seventh Freedom traffic rights for air cargo services, allowing cargo airlines to operate flights between the US and third countries without the flights being linked to Cambodia.
“The conclusion of this Open Skies Agreement is to open markets and deliver results for all Cambodian and American businesses, workers and travellers,” said Chansereyvutha.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia remains committed to expanding its international civil aviation cooperation with partner countries by pursuing additional air transport agreements and strengthening existing bilateral aviation frameworks,” he added.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, 91,020 American tourists visited Cambodia during the first five months of 2026, a decline of 11.6% from the same period in 2025.
Bilateral trade between Cambodia and the United States reached $5.96 billion during the first five months of 2026, up 33.2% year-on-year. Exports amounted to $5.73 billion, an increase of 31.5%, while US imports were $231.05 million, up 92.5%, according to the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE).