• Society

Siem Reap International Airport Inaugurated

• By Teng Yalirozy
• and Luy Sireyreaksa
• November 16, 2023 3:06 PM

Siem Reap – Siem Reap Angkor International Airport was officially inaugurated on Nov. 16. The airport will be a tourism hub driving economic growth of the province and the whole country, Prime Minister Hun Manet said.

The airport, built on 700 hectares in Soutr Nikom district, is about 50km kilometers from Siem Reap city and 40km from Angkor Wat. It opened for operations in mid-October.

Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia), an affiliate of China's Yunnan Investment Holdings, has invested $1,100 million in the project.

The airport will be able to handle seven million passengers next year and 12 million in 2040. It will have an air cargo capacity of 10,000 tonnes next year and 26,000 tonnes in 2040 and will be able to receive 65,800 flights next year and 112,700 in 2040.

The PM said the airport is another historic achievement in the air transport sector, with a vision to conserve and develop. It will contribute to national development while the UNESCO-listed Angkor and other historical cultural properties can be preserved.

“The decision to relocate the airport from 5km from Siem Reap to 50km is to preserve the property of Khmer ancestors,” he said during the inauguration.

To make tourism in Siem Reap more vibrant, he said he would consider direct flights to tourist destinations in other countries and expanding the scope of border card use.

“Siem Reap Angkor International Airport will be a strong potential and important opportunity for tourism in Siem Reap,” he said. “It’s a major tourist destination of Cambodia in particular and an economic hub.”

Mao Havannal, Minister in Charge of SSCA, said the airport will help boost tourism in the region and contribute to the country's economic growth. He also praised the collaborative efforts of all parties involved in bringing the project to fruition.

“We still hope that the newly launched infrastructure of Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap Angkor will be sufficient to draw both domestic and international flights,” he said. 

With its world-class infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, the airport is poised to set new standards for air travel in Cambodia and is expected to play a pivotal role in driving tourism and economic development in the region.

It is also set to become a major gateway for tourists visiting the historic city of Siem Reap. With its modern Khmer architecture designs and advanced amenities, it is expected to enhance the travel experience for domestic and international passengers.