The Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in northwest Cambodia, invested in by China, has been hailed as a catalyst for tourism and economic growth by the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, on Tuesday, October 31st.
“This airport will be a significant and vital source of revenue for the tourism sector in the Siem Reap Province in particular and for the entire tourism industry in the country as a whole,” Hun Manet stated in a release on his official Telegram account.
Located in the Sotr Nikum District of Siem Reap Province, the 4E-level international airport, spanning 700 hectares, began commercial operations on October 16th.
Hun Manet emphasized that the airport will also attract investors and provide economic benefits to the local community.
Situated approximately 40 kilometers from the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, a cultural heritage site, and 50 kilometers from the provincial city of Siem Reap, the airport is described by Hun Manet as a blend of “culture, nature, and intellect.”
He further added that the airport would enhance connectivity and efficiency in the transportation and logistics sector in Southeast Asia.
The airport received investment from Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of China’s Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd.
SAI is expected to handle 7 million air passengers per year starting in 2024 and up to 12 million passengers per year beginning in 2040. With its 3,600-meter runway, SAI will accommodate long-haul flights from around the world, making it a crucial transportation hub in the region.
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, the spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Secretariat of Cambodia, mentioned that SAI is the fruit of close cooperation between Cambodia and China under the Belt and Road Initiative. Authorities hope that the airport will attract new international airlines to operate direct flights to Siem Reap Province, opening up more access for travelers from around the world to this remarkable tourist destination.