A passenger plane arrives at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, November 16, 2023. The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Cambodia’s northwestern Siem Reap province was officially opened on Thursday, raising hopes to rebuild the kingdom’s tourism industry. (Photo: Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)
SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) — Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in northwestern Cambodia’s Siem Reap province was officially opened on Thursday, raising hopes for a revival of the kingdom’s tourism industry.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Maneh presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by more than 1,000 people.
Speaking at the event, Hun Manet said the airport was launched as Cambodia and China celebrated the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and China marked the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the BRI.
“Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is a fruit of peace and is the new outstanding achievement of the iron friendship between Cambodia and China,” he said.
The Cambodian leader said SAI is a Level 4E international airport that can accommodate larger aircraft, including those used on long-haul global routes.
“This will connect Cambodia to the world and we hope that new international airlines, especially Chinese airlines, will spread their wings in Siem Reap province,” he said.
Hun Manet said the airport will give a big boost to Siem Reap’s tourism sector and local residents will directly benefit from it.
Invested by Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China’s Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd., the 700-hectare airport is designed in a traditional Cambodian architectural style.
With a runway of 3,600 meters, SAI is currently Cambodia’s largest airport and is the main gateway to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.
Mao Havanal, minister in charge of Cambodia’s State Secretariat for Civil Aviation, said SAI will be able to serve 7 million passengers a year from 2024 and up to 12 million passengers a year from 2040.
“This will boost the kingdom’s economic growth, boost aviation, tourism and investment and further contribute to poverty reduction,” he said.
“We are confident that this new airport will become a bridge connecting Cambodia to the wider world,” he added.
According to Havannall, the airport currently employs a total of 447 people, including 82 Chinese nationals and 365 Cambodians.
Kin Phea, director-general of the Cambodia Institute of International Affairs, a think tank at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said SAI marks a significant development in Cambodia’s aviation industry.
“This will facilitate access to Angkor Archaeological Park, improve infrastructure and facilitate trade and investment,” he told Xinhua.
Phea said the airport also improves living standards, creates jobs, facilitates the movement of people and goods, and provides access to education and healthcare for Cambodians, making it a symbol of the country’s progress in the aviation and tourism sectors.
VOI is located in Sotr Nikum District, about 40 km from Angkor Park and more than 50 km from the provincial town of Siem Reap. ■
Passengers wait for their flights at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, November 16, 2023. The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Cambodia’s northwestern Siem Reap province was officially opened on Thursday, spawning hope to revive the kingdom’s tourism industry. (Photo: Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)
Passengers go through a security check at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, November 16, 2023. The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Cambodia’s northwestern Siem Reap province was officially opened on Thursday , giving rise to hope for a revival of the kingdom’s tourism industry. (Photo: Liao Hongqing/Xinhua)
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Mane presides over the opening ceremony of the Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, November 16, 2023. The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Siem Reap in the northwest of Cambodia’s Reap Province was officially opened on Thursday, raising hopes for a revival of the kingdom’s tourism industry. (Photo: Ly Lay/Xinhua)