A brand-new £1.1 billion airport has opened in Siem Reap, Cambodia, making it easier than ever for tourists to visit the famed Angkor Wat temple complex.
The Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, funded by China, is the latest development in Cambodia’s efforts to revitalise its tourism sector after the pandemic.
The airport, which officially opened last year, is located 40 kilometres from Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The vast archaeological park, with its ancient temples and ruins, is a key draw for international visitors to Cambodia.
Angkor Wat alone, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance as a remnant of the Khmer Empire, attracts millions of tourists annually.
China’s funding of the airport is part of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at boosting infrastructure development and economic ties worldwide.
The new airport operates under a “Build-Operate-Transfer” model and is managed by China’s Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group.
It can handle up to 7 million passengers per year, significantly more than the former Siem Reap International Airport, allowing for more direct international flights, including long-haul routes.
This increased capacity will help support Cambodia’s growing tourism industry, which saw a 250 percent rise in visitors during the first eight months of 2023 compared to last year.
The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport replaces the old Siem Reap International Airport, which had been in operation since 1932 and was only a few kilometres away from Angkor Wat.
This modern facility, with a 3,600-meter runway, offers improved connectivity and is a major upgrade in terms of infrastructure, capacity, and facilities.
