In the world of aviation, the rise of long-range single-aisle aircraft is reshaping how airlines think about connecting cities. With planes like the Airbus A321XLR capable of flying up to nine hours, new opportunities are opening up for smaller countries to play a bigger role in global air travel. Could Cambodia, with its strategic location and modernising airports, position itself as a new aviation hub by focusing on single-aisle connections? The idea might be more realistic than it sounds.
Cambodia’s Advantages
New Aircraft Technology
Single-aisle jets are no longer limited to short regional hops. Aircraft such as the A321XLR can now handle flights between Cambodia and destinations as far away as Japan, Australia, the Middle East, South Asia, and even parts of Europe. This removes the traditional dependency on larger, more expensive wide-body aircraft for medium- to long-haul routes.
Cost-Efficiency
Operating single-aisle aircraft is significantly cheaper than running wide-bodies like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350. For a country like Cambodia, where building a hub from scratch needs to be economically sustainable, this cost advantage is key. Smaller planes also allow for more frequent flights, providing passengers with more flexibility.
Upgraded Airport Infrastructure
Cambodia has made significant investments in its airport infrastructure. The newly opened Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport and the soon-to-be-completed Techo Takhmao International Airport near Phnom Penh are designed to modern standards, offering the capacity and facilities needed to handle increased international traffic. The Techo International Airport, set to open in 2025, will feature major line maintenance services, with a joint venture between Singaporean SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) and Cambodia Airport Investment Co. (CAIC) providing crucial support to airlines operating in the region. This collaboration, along with the presence of AirAsia and other international aviation players, strengthens Cambodia’s position as a competitive player in the regional aviation sector, particularly in aircraft maintenance and support services.
Central Location
Cambodia sits in the heart of Southeast Asia, offering a natural midpoint between major regions such as East Asia, South Asia, Australia, and even parts of Europe. This makes it a logical stopover or connecting point, especially for routes currently underserved by major hubs like Singapore or Bangkok.
Growing Appeal
With world-famous destinations such as Angkor Wat, the islands off the southern coast, and a rising reputation for business opportunities, Cambodia has strong inbound travel potential. Easing transit options could further boost tourism, trade, and investment.
The Rise of Asia’s Middle Class
A Surge in Travel Demand
Southeast Asia is undergoing a significant economic transformation, driven by the rapid expansion of its middle class. Countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia are seeing more of their populations move into the middle-income bracket. This shift is expected to drive a sharp increase in both domestic and international travel in the coming decades.
With the average age of the population remaining relatively young, many people are in their 20s and 30s. This younger demographic, combined with rising disposable income, is fueling an enormous surge in air travel demand. By 2030, Southeast Asia’s middle class is expected to grow to 400 million people, creating a substantial opportunity for airlines and airports to meet the increasing demand for both regional and international travel.
As more people gain the ability to afford air travel, the need for affordable, efficient, and accessible flight options will only grow. Cambodia, with its strategic location and growing aviation infrastructure, stands to benefit by becoming a key regional hub, connecting passengers traveling between Southeast Asia, Australia, and beyond.
Tapping Into the Indian Travel Market
India’s rapidly growing middle class, projected to become one of the largest in the world by 2030, is driving increased air travel demand. As more people gain access to air travel, both domestic and international flights, including those to Southeast Asia and Cambodia, will see significant growth. Cambodia, with its rich history and improving infrastructure, is well-positioned to tap into this growing demand, offering a unique and emerging alternative to traditional Southeast Asian hubs.
Opportunities for Direct Flights Connecting Australia and India
With the arrival of long-range aircraft like the Airbus A321XLR, Cambodia could become a key hub for Indian and Australian travellers, offering direct flights from major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore to Cambodia. From there, Cambodia could serve as a strategic transit point for onward connections to Australia and New Zealand, providing a more affordable and efficient travel route.
Challenges to Consider
Lack of a Major Airline
At present, Cambodia does not have a globally recognised national carrier. Building a hub usually goes hand-in-hand with building a strong home airline, or at least offering an attractive base for foreign airlines through partnerships, codeshares, and incentives.
Intense Competition
Regional giants like Singapore Changi, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport already dominate Southeast Asian air travel. Cambodia would need to find a specific niche — such as low-cost transfers or direct connections between secondary cities — to attract airlines and passengers away from these established hubs.
Political and Regulatory Stability
Aviation hubs require stable political environments and transparent regulatory frameworks. Long-term investment by airlines and airport operators depends on consistent and supportive government policies. Cambodia’s aviation authorities would need to demonstrate commitment to open skies agreements, safety regulations, and competitive airport fee structures. Part of the political and regulatory challenges also involve high fees that airlines face at regional airports. These costs could deter airlines from basing operations in Cambodia unless addressed.
A Realistic Vision
Rather than trying to compete head-on with regional giants, Cambodia could position itself as a “boutique hub”, offering quick, affordable connections between growing cities across Southeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and even parts of Europe and the Middle East.
By focusing on direct, point-to-point routes served by long-range single-aisle aircraft, Cambodia could cater to both leisure and business travellers looking for alternatives to congested mega-hubs.
For example, Siem Reap or Phnom Penh could offer direct flights to:
- Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin in Australia
- Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka in Japan
- Cebu and Davao in the Philippines
- Mumbai and Bangalore in India
- Dubai, Doha, and Muscat in the Middle East
- Milan, Vienna, and Warsaw in Europe
These flights, operated with new-generation aircraft like the A321XLR, would offer non-stop convenience and open Cambodia to new markets.
Conclusion
The vision of Cambodia becoming an aviation hub is increasingly realistic. With modernising airport infrastructure and a growing middle class in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is well-positioned to boost tourism within the region and serve as a key connector between Asian markets and more niche destinations in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. By leveraging long-range single-aisle aircraft and expanding its flight network, Cambodia could offer efficient, affordable travel options, distinguishing itself from crowded mega-hubs. However, political stability and addressing airline fee concerns will be critical to realising this potential.