gategroup expands Cambodia operations with new catering units
Joerg Zaugg, General Manager of the Cambodian gategourmet operation
The Kingdom of Cambodia, widely known as the “Kingdom of Wonder,” is enjoying a robust recovery in travel driven by renewed global interest in its temples, beaches and cultural heritage. The Cambodia Ministry of Tourism reported some 5.43 million foreign tourists in 2023, a sharp 139.5 percent jump from 2.27 million in 2022.
The surge accelerated in 2024, when the country welcomed 6.7 million international visitors, nearly a 23 percent increase over 2023.
The flow in inbound travel comes as Cambodia rolls out major airport infrastructure. The newly opened Techo International Airport (KTI), located just outside Phnom Penh, officially began operations in September, replacing the old Phnom Penh International Airport. Meanwhile, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) welcomed passengers in 2023, enhancing access to the country’s iconic temple region around the UNESCO World Heritage site Angkor Wat.
These market dynamics—surging tourism, rising flight numbers and upgraded infrastructure—are prompting the company to deepen its footprint in Cambodia.
gategroup strengthens foothold in Cambodia’s key hubs
For more than a decade, global catering and hospitality player gategroup has operated in Cambodia through its locally established subsidiary, Cambodia Air Catering Services Ltd. (CACS).
CACS has long served Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, the country’s primary tourism gateways, providing inflight meals, snacks, beverages and galley services to a wide roster of airlines, including Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Air China, Asiana Airlines, Cambodia Airlines and Air Cambodia. Joerg Zaugg, General Manager of the Cambodian gategourmet operation, tells PAX International the caterer is expected to start servicing Etihad this month, including commercial flights and private flights departing Cambodia. Its services also extend beyond aviation: The unit supplies baked products to local fast-food outlets, an example of diversification beyond inflight catering.
Now the company is investing in two new units: one in Phnom Penh and another in Siem Reap. The Phnom Penh unit will serve the new Techo International Airport; the Siem Reap facility is planned to support growing demand out of Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport.
“This development further strengthens gategroup’s regional footprint and demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality service and products, as well as operational excellence for our airline customers in Cambodia and across the world,” says Zaugg.
The Phnom Penh unit will be built under LEED-certified standards, reflecting a focus on sustainability and efficiency. The facility will include advanced systems and an optimized workflow to support increased capacity, quality and operational efficiency at KTI. It is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.
Zaugg adds, “We are very focused on providing an environment that allows our staff to grow within the company, enabling us to cope with the increased demand and guaranteeing continuous improvement of both our products and employees.”
gategourmet is expected to start servicing Etihad this month, including commercial flights and private flights departing Cambodia
Meeting demand at booming Cambodian gateways
The decision to expand operations in Cambodia comes at a time when both tourism and aviation capacity are picking up speed. This year, Emirates unveiled a new triweekly service from Dubai to Siem Reap via Bangkok, its second destination in Cambodia alongside Phnom Penh. Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines is expanding its Southeast Asia footprint with scheduled service to Phnom Penh beginning on December 10.
The new kitchens will allow gategourmet to scale meal production, streamline logistics and deliver tailored dining experiences—including local flavours and seasonal menus—to meet both passenger expectations and airline requirements. Zaugg says the company collaborates with local chefs, supported by its regional culinary teams, to deliver fresh meals with a Khmer (native Cambodian) touch or tailored to any cuisine requested by airline customers.
“Our experienced culinary team provides a tailor-made inflight experience to all our airline partners,” he said.
Bigger picture: Cambodia as a rising aviation and tourism hub
Cambodia’s tourism sector is rebounding strongly post-COVID, underpinned by growing infrastructure and investments in airports and connectivity. The arrival of KTI marks a significant step toward accommodating long-term growth.
For gategroup, the timing of its investments could not be better. By expanding its presence in Cambodia, gategourmet positions itself to support rising airline traffic, deliver consistent inflight quality and take advantage of the broader growth trajectory in the Asia Pacific region.
With these facilities, gategroup signals its confidence in Cambodia’s travel future and reinforces its commitment to operational excellence, culinary quality and long-term growth in a fast-evolving market.
“Culinary excellence is in our DNA,” concludes Zaugg.
