New Siem Reap airport to be completed in 4th quarter

Cambodia is set to open a new airport near UNESCO-listed Angkor Archeological Park in October this year.

The 700-hectare Siem Reap Angkor International Airport is coming up in Soutr Nikom District, around 50 km from Siem Reap Town, Khmer Times reported.

It will have the capability to handle of all kinds of aircraft.

"As of December 31, 2022, the airport construction was 63% complete and the airport developer company is committed to achieving 90% by the end of March 2023," Khmer Times reported.

Construction of the $880-million airport began in early 2020 to replace Siem Reap International Airport, which is now the second busiest airport in Cambodia after Phnom Penh International Airport.

The new airport, to be Cambodia's largest, is expected to boost tourism and the economy as the country prepares for the return of Chinese tourists.

Siem Reap Province in the northwest is home to Angkor Wat, the country's most popular tourist destination.

Cambodia has reopened its borders and lifted most Covid restrictions.