This significant development was initiated by China’s funding, and the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport now stands as the primary entry point to the renowned Angkor Archaeological Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The inaugural flight to grace the new airport’s runway was from Bangkok Airways, originating from Thailand. This airport, situated approximately 40 kilometers (or 25 miles) from the protected Angkor region, has been assigned the International Air Transport Association code SAI. It takes over from the Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which has been operational since 1932 and is located in close proximity to the Angkor complex.
Constructed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative with an investment of around $1.1 billion, the new airport is equipped to accommodate 7 million passengers annually. This capacity surpasses the REP by 2 million. The airport, spanning a 3,600-meter-long runway, is the first international airport built overseas by Chinese enterprises using the “Build-Operate-Transfer” model. It is under the management of the Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group. This “4E airport” can host larger commercial aircraft, including those designed for extensive international routes.
The architectural design of the airport, initiated in 2020, draws inspiration from traditional Cambodian aesthetics. While the official airport website offers limited details about the amenities, it provides a comprehensive flight schedule.
Recent statistics from Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism indicate that the nation welcomed 3.5 million international tourists in the initial eight months of 2023. This figure marks a 250.8% surge compared to the previous year, but it’s still 19.7% less than the 2019 statistics, prior to the pandemic-induced border closures. Cambodia reopened its borders to tourists in March 2022, and anticipations are high for the arrival of approximately 4.5 to 5 million international tourists by year-end.
A significant portion of these tourists are drawn to Siem Reap, primarily to explore the Angkor complex. Recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s pivotal archaeological sites by UNESCO, the Angkor complex spans over 400 square kilometers. It houses remnants of the Khmer Empire’s capitals from the 9th to the 15th centuries. However, the majority of tourists are concentrated in a few key areas, notably Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon.