Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport Commences Commercial Operations

Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) officially commenced its commercial operations on October 16, 2023. The new airport, spanning an extensive 700-hectare area, is situated in the Sotr Nikum district, approximately 40 kilometers away from the renowned Angkor Archaeological Park and 50 kilometers from downtown Siem Reap.

SAI boasts an impressive infrastructure with 38 berths and an initial capacity to accommodate up to seven million passengers annually. By 2030, this passenger capacity is projected to escalate to 10 million, surpassing the former Siem Reap International Airport, which had a total passenger capacity of around two million. Further expansion plans are set to raise SAI's passenger capacity to a remarkable 12 million passengers per annum by 2040.

In addition to its passenger-focused facilities, Siem Reap-Angkor Airport has a dedicated cargo handling area, capable of handling 10,000 tons of cargo per year as of 2023. This capacity is expected to significantly increase to 26,000 tons annually by 2040.

The proximity of the former Siem Reap International Airport, located a mere five kilometers from the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, raised concerns about potential harm to historical relics due to flightpath issues. UNESCO has, on multiple occasions, advised the Cambodian government to either relocate or construct a new airport, culminating in the establishment of Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport.