Siem Reap, a province in Cambodia’s northwest, witnessed the inauguration of the nation’s newest and largest airport for commercial operations this week. Funded by China, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport now stands as the primary entry point to one of Cambodia’s most sought-after tourist destinations: the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex.
On a Monday morning, the maiden flight, operated by Thailand’s Bangkok Airways, touched down at the newly established airport, strategically located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the protected Angkor area. Replacing the aging Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which has been in operation since 1932 and is in close proximity to the Angkor complex, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport bears the International Air Transport Association code SAI.
This cutting-edge airport, a testament to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, came to fruition with an investment of around $1.1 billion. Its initial capacity is designed to cater to 7 million passengers annually, which is 2 million more than REP, and boasts a runway stretching 3,600 meters in length. Notably, the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia highlights that this airport is the first international airport constructed overseas under the “Build-Operate-Transfer” model by Chinese enterprises. It is now operated and managed by the Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group. Designated as a “4E airport,” it can accommodate larger commercial aircraft, including those utilized for global long-haul routes.
Construction commenced in 2020, and the airport’s architectural design is said to draw inspiration from traditional Cambodian architectural styles. While the official airport website offers limited information on available services, shops, and dining establishments at the new facility, it provides a comprehensive schedule of departing and arriving flights, ensuring travelers can access essential information for their journeys.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/cambodia-siem-reap-airport-angkor-wat/index.html
