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Cambodia’s Siem Reap International Airport to Open This October

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Based on the latest info, the upcoming October project had a chance to visit the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). The modern airport was estimated to operate on October 16, 2023, during the site visit at 00:00 hours. 

The landscape offers convenient access to the provincial city and its archaeological wonders. The world-class new airport can access large aircraft. It will give unforgettable nuances, especially for international citizens departing from various regions, such as the United States and Europe.

Siem Reap Airport is one of Cambodia’s busiest hubs for domestic and international flights

With over a million annual visitors in the city. Its full name is Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, after the famous ancient temple city of Angkor, which is the star attraction of Siem Reap. The new, modern terminal was inaugurated in 2006 and continues to grow to meet the increasing number of arrivals yearly.

The airport receives several international carriers, including Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Air Macau, Asiana Airlines, Jetstar Asia, Lao Airlines, Korean Air, PMTair, Royal Khmer Airlines, Bangkok Airways, and Vietnam Airlines.

Cambodia’s new Siem Reap airport is expected to open by October, focusing on developing routes to China. The construction will be completed in May, and the $880 million airport project is estimated to have at least 300 weekly flights to and from China, according to the Cambodian State Secretariat of Civil Aviation.

Affiliated with China’s Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport has been funded by the Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co, Ltd.

Located on 700 hectares, the airport is located in the Sotr Nikum district, about 40km from the Unesco-listed Angkor Archaeological Park and 50km from Siem Reap provincial town.

Work on the project operates in March 2020

Tekreth Samrach, secretary of state at the Council of Ministers and chairman of the Steering Committee for the Construction of the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, stated the airport is a 4E-level international airport with a 3,600-metre runway that caters to the smooth landing of all kinds of aircraft.

“It’s another new achievement that will not only contribute to the development of Cambodia’s tourism and economy but also directly benefit people living around the area,” he said.

Less hassle transition: All commercial flights of air passengers and cargo currently operating at Siem Reap International Airport (REP) will be transferred entirely to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport starting October 16.

Before officially operating, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport will conduct some test flights between October 5 and 15 to measure the capacity of the airport’s systems, and operations will be more efficient.

Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents (CATA), said this is positive news for Cambodia, especially Siem Reap province, as Cambodia can welcome more visitors than previously.

“Siem Reap International Airport will be able to receive many large aircraft and direct flights and can handle more passengers, tourists, flights and foster economic growth in Siem Reap province,” Sivlin said.

She mentioned that the airport will accelerate the air travel experience, gain more investors and job opportunities, and encourage the eco-tourism industry in the region. ​

According to the latest calculation, the airport will be able to handle about seven million passengers per year initially, increasing to 10 million by 2030 and 20 million by 2050. The airport’s annual cargo capacity is expected to rise from 10,000 to 60,000 tonnes by 2050.

The SAI airport is being built in three phases for $880 million, spanning 750 hectares

It is located 50 km from the capital of Siem Reap province and 40 km from the temple of Angkor Wat. 

The modern airport will be spacious, according to Chinese-owned Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. undertaking the project. An affiliate of China’s Yunnan Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd. started its development phase in March 2020. A statement published by Xinhua said.

It will distribute the existing Siem Reap Airport, located 8 km from Siem Reap city center and 6 km from Angkor Wat temple. 

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