Owais Crawford
Siem Reap International Airport in Cambodia is located around 40 to 50 kilometres from the city of Siem Reap. The airport opened in October 2023 and is considered a symbol of friendship between Cambodia and China. It was built by Yunnan Investment Holdings Limited, a Chinese company, and financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. The airport is designed to handle narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, with future expansion plans aiming to increase its capacity to 12 million passengers per year by 2030.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport |
| Location | Soutr Nikom district, 51 km southeast of downtown Siem Reap and 40 km from Angkor Archaeological Park |
| Opening Date | October 16, 2023 |
| Builder | Yunnan Investment Holdings Limited |
| Operator | Yunnan Airport Group |
| Owner | Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. |
| Distance from Siem Reap City | 40-50 km |
| Number of Routes in 2024 | 17 |
| Number of Countries Served in 2024 | 8 |
| Number of Takeoffs and Landings by End of 2024 | 18,430 |
| Number of Passengers Served by End of 2024 | 1.7 million |
| Projected Number of Passengers in 2024 | 1.5 million |
| Planned Expansion Capacity by 2030 | 12 million passengers per year |
| Planned Expansion Capacity by 2040 | 12 million passengers per year |
| Planned Expansion Capacity by 2050 | Over 20 million passengers per year |
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What You'll Learn
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport opened in October 2023
The airport was built by Yunnan Investment Holdings Limited, a Chinese company, and financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of China's Yunnan Investment Holdings. The project was a flagship endeavour of the cooperation between China and Cambodia, showcasing the integration of "Chinese standards" into global infrastructure initiatives.
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport was designed according to international civil aviation standards, with the capacity to handle a range of aircraft, from narrow-body planes like the Boeing 737 to wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A350. The airport's terminal is spacious and meets international standards, enhancing the passenger experience.
By the end of 2024, the airport had served over 1.7 million passengers, with 18,430 takeoffs and landings and 107.82 tons of cargo handled. It had established 17 routes across eight countries, including six ASEAN nations, China, and South Korea. The new airport has increased the accessibility of Siem Reap, attracting tourists eager to explore the city's ancient temples, vibrant markets, and cultural villages.
Future expansion plans for the airport aim to increase its capacity to 12 million passengers per year by 2030, with further phases projected to boost capacity to over 20 million passengers annually by 2050. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about a potential light-rail trail connecting Siem Reap and the airport, offering an eco-friendly and scenic travel option.
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The airport is 40-50km from Siem Reap city
The Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, also known as SAI Airport, is located 40-50km from Siem Reap city. The airport is relatively new, having opened in October 2023. It was built by a Chinese company, Yunnan Investment Holdings Limited, and financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of China's Yunnan Investment Holdings. The airport is part of the Belt and Road Initiative and is a symbol of the cooperation and friendship between China and Cambodia.
The distance from the city means longer Siem Reap airport transfer times for passengers. There are two primary routes to the airport from Siem Reap city: National Road 6 and the Airport Expressway. National Road 6 is prone to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours and holidays. The Airport Expressway, on the other hand, allows for faster transit. Passengers can choose between airport shuttle services, which are budget-friendly shared buses and vans, or private taxis, which offer a more personalised and flexible experience. The taxi fare for this route typically ranges from $30 to $40, depending on the car.
The new airport has improved Siem Reap's aviation infrastructure and addressed the urgent need for an upgrade. It can handle a variety of aircraft, from narrow-body planes like the Boeing 737 to wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A350. The airport is expected to undergo future expansions to increase its capacity to 12 million passengers per year by 2030 and over 20 million by 2050.
The location of the airport, 40km from Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is intentional. By being situated further away from the ancient temples, the airport minimises the impact of aircraft takeoffs and landings on these historic monuments. This shift from the previous airport, which was closer to Angkor Wat, demonstrates a commitment to protecting Cambodia's cultural heritage and reflects sustainable development practices.
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It is managed by Yunnan Airport Group
The Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport in Cambodia is managed by the Yunnan Airport Group, which has a 3.4% stake in the airport. The airport is a joint venture project co-owned by the Yunnan Investment Group, Yunnan Construction Group, and Yunnan Airport Group. The Yunnan Investment Holding Group was responsible for constructing the airport, which was built to showcase the integration of "Chinese standards" into global infrastructure and cooperation.
The new airport, located 40-50 km from Siem Reap city, has improved aviation in the region. It has a long runway that can accommodate both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, including the Airbus A320, A330, and A350, as well as the Boeing 737, 747, 777, and 787. The airport is designed to handle a large number of flights and passengers, with a projected capacity of 12 million passengers per year by 2030 and over 20 million by 2050.
The Yunnan Investment Holding Group has played a significant role in establishing direct flights between Cambodia and China, particularly from prominent Chinese cities and provinces. The Group has committed to bolstering tourism in Siem Reap province and enhancing connectivity. The airport has already opened up routes to eight countries, including six ASEAN nations, China, and South Korea.
The construction of the new airport has addressed Cambodia's need for upgraded aviation infrastructure. By the end of 2024, the airport had recorded impressive statistics, including 18,430 takeoffs and landings, serving over 1.7 million passengers and handling 107.82 tons of cargo and mail. The airport has also become a strategic hub connecting South and Southeast Asia.
The Yunnan Airport Group's management of the Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport has contributed to the deepening cooperation between Cambodia and China, with the airport becoming a symbol of friendship between the two nations. The airport's successful operation showcases the effective integration of Chinese technical specifications into global infrastructure projects.
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The airport is expected to handle 12 million passengers annually by 2040
Siem Reap International Airport in Cambodia is expected to handle 12 million passengers annually by 2040. The airport, which is located around 40 to 50 kilometres from Siem Reap city, has seen significant growth in recent years, with 17 airlines moving to the new airport when it opened in October 2023.
By early 2024, the airport offered flights to eight countries, including six ASEAN nations, as well as China and South Korea. With improved passenger facilities and the ability to handle a range of aircraft, from narrow-body to wide-body, the airport has become a strategic hub for travel to and from South and Southeast Asia.
The construction of the new airport addressed Cambodia's need for upgraded aviation infrastructure. The previous airport was too close to the Angkor Wat archaeological site, and the vibrations from aircraft takeoffs and landings could potentially damage the foundations of the ancient monuments. The new airport's distance from the city has resulted in longer transfer times, but the airport expressway allows for faster transit.
To accommodate the growing number of passengers, the airport offers various transportation options, including airport shuttle services, private taxis, and the potential for a future light-rail trail. The airport also provides essential amenities, such as currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, SIM card booths, duty-free shopping, convenience stores, and food options showcasing Cambodian cuisine.
With continuous growth in passenger numbers, the airport is well on its way to achieving its projection of handling 12 million passengers annually by 2040. This includes serving over 1.7 million passengers by the end of 2024, with 18,430 takeoffs and landings and handling over 100 tons of cargo and mail. The future expansion plans for the airport will further increase its capacity, making it a significant gateway to Cambodia for travellers from around the world.
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The airport is a symbol of China-Cambodia friendship
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport, which opened in October/November 2023, is a symbol of the friendship between China and Cambodia. The airport was invested in, built, and is operated by Chinese enterprises. It was constructed under a 55-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) program between the two countries. The airport is designed according to international civil aviation standards and refined with Chinese technical specifications, showcasing the integration of "Chinese standards" into global infrastructure and cooperation.
The new airport is located 40-50 km from the city, deliberately situated away from the Angkor archaeological site to minimise the impact of aircraft takeoffs and landings on these ancient monuments. This shift reflects China's commitment to protecting Cambodia's heritage and is a concrete example of sustainable development.
The China-Cambodia Cultural Corridor was inaugurated at the airport in August 2024, showcasing the cultural dialogue between the two countries. The exhibition, located in the international arrival and departure areas, highlights the historical cultural similarities between Yunnan and Cambodia, such as the spiritual beliefs associated with cattle and snakes. Through this "aerial Silk Road," elements of Yunnan and Khmer culture have blended and enriched one another, reflecting the deepening of China-Cambodia cooperation.
The airport has also addressed Cambodia's need for upgraded aviation infrastructure. By the end of 2024, the airport had recorded 18,430 takeoffs and landings, served over 1.7 million passengers, and handled 107.82 tons of cargo and mail. It has opened 17 routes across eight countries, including six ASEAN nations, China, and South Korea, emerging as a strategic hub connecting South and Southeast Asia.
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Frequently asked questions
The Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport was built by a Chinese company, Yunnan Investment Holdings Limited, and officially began operations on October 16, 2023.
A new airport was needed to address Cambodia's urgent need for upgraded aviation infrastructure. The old airport was too close to the Angkor Wat temple site, and the vibrations from take-offs and landings could potentially damage the foundations.
The airport is located 40-50km from the city of Siem Reap.
The journey from Siem Reap to the airport involves two primary routes: National Road 6 and the Airport Expressway. You can take an airport shuttle service, a private taxi, or wait for the planned light-rail trail.
By the end of 2024, the airport had served over 1.7 million passengers and handled 107.82 tons of cargo and mail. The airport is expected to serve over 12 million passengers annually by 2040.
