Cambodia has unveiled its largest airport, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s aviation and tourism sectors.
Located in the northwest province of Siem Reap, this China-funded facility now serves as the primary entry point to the renowned UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex.
On October 16, 2023, the airport welcomed its first commercial flight, operated by Bangkok Airways from Thailand. Situated 40 kilometers from the Angkor complex, the new airport, identified by the International Air Transport Association code SAI, replaces the historic Siem Reap International Airport (REP) that has been operational since 1932.
Constructed as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with an investment of approximately $1.1 billion, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport boasts a capacity to accommodate 7 million passengers annually, surpassing REP by 2 million. Its 3,600-meter runway is designed to handle larger commercial aircraft, making it suitable for global long-haul routes.
The airport, a pioneering overseas project built under the “Build-Operate-Transfer” model by Chinese enterprises, is managed by the Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group. Its design, inspired by traditional Cambodian architecture, reflects the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Despite the pandemic’s impact, Cambodia’s tourism sector is showing signs of recovery. Data from the Ministry of Tourism indicates that Cambodia welcomed 3.5 million international tourists in the initial eight months of 2023, a significant surge from the previous year. The ministry anticipates the numbers to reach between 4.5 to 5 million by year-end.
The Angkor complex remains a prime attraction for many of these tourists. Spanning over 400 square kilometers, this archaeological marvel showcases remnants of the Khmer Empire’s capitals from the 9th to the 15th century. However, only a few sites, including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon, witness the majority of the tourist influx.
