Siem Reap’s New Airport Welcomes Inaugural Commercial Flight

• Sommana Yan
• 16 October 2023
• Local News
• 3204 Views

In a historic moment for Cambodia, the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport officially embraced its inaugural commercial aircraft on 16 October 2023, marking a transformative leap for the country’s aviation infrastructure.

The momentous inauguration ceremony was presided over by HE Vongsey Visoth, Deputy Prime Minister overseeing the Office of the Council of Ministers, Mr Mao Havanal, Minister responsible for the Secretariat of Civil Aviation, Mr. Sok Soken, the Tourism Minister, and distinguished officials from various ministries and investment firms.

Preceding this remarkable milestone, the newly minted airport had undergone several rigorous testing phases. Three pioneering airlines, namely Sky Angkor Airlines, Cambodia Airways, and China Eastern Airlines took to the skies, connecting this burgeoning aviation hub with major cities, symbolizing a brighter future. (Read more)

Initially conceptualized in 2019 with a budgetary allocation of US$880 million, the project swiftly evolved in response to burgeoning demands, culminating in an investment of US$1.1 billion in 2022. This enduring commitment materialized into a 55-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) facility. (Read more)

Situated in Tayek commune, Sot Nikum district, the airport is strategically located just 40 kilometers from the iconic Angkor Wat and 51 kilometers from Siem Reap town, positioning it as a vital gateway to the heart of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

A testimony to its ambition, the new airport boasts the capability to handle 10,000 tons of air cargo annually from 2023, a figure projected to rise to 26,000 tons by 2040. Moreover, the airport is poised to accommodate 65,800 flights per year, and this figure is set to soar to 112,700 flights annually by 2040.

In an effort to streamline travel to and from this remarkable airport, the Cambodian government has invested a staggering US$95 million in the construction of a 24.5-kilometre expressway connecting the airport to National Road 6.

The official inauguration of this airport, a momentous event on Cambodia’s horizon, is scheduled for 16 November 2023. The prestigious ceremony will witness the presence of Samdech Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, alongside high-ranking Chinese dignitaries.

• Projects Development
• Road and Infrastructure
• Airport and Aviation