Synopsis: The influx of new carriers will expand the total number of airlines operating at SAI to 16.
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI), the gateway to the wonderful Angkor Wat temples, is set to see more airlines operating international flight services by the end of 2025, a State Secretariat of Civil Aviation senior official said yesterday.
A number of foreign airlines have applied for operating flight service to the airport in Siem Reap province, SSCA’s Secretary of State Sinn Chanserey Vutha said.
Three of those airlines are from South Korea, namely East Jet Airways, T’way Air, and Jeju Airlines, he said.
Others are IndiGo Air from India, Firefly Airlines from Malaysia, and Air Cambodia.
Vutha expressed optimism regarding this development, emphasising the capabilities of the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, which officially commenced operations in October 2023.
“This is a good sign of Cambodia’s aviation sector in the country, showing demand for direct access to Siem Reap, home of the famed Angkor Archeological Park,” he said.
This influx of new carriers will expand the total number of airlines operating at SAI to 16, he said.
According to Vutha, Air Cambodia (K6) will fly for the first time on July 18 from Siem Reap to China’s Shenzhen. Mao Havannall, Minister in charge of SSCA, and Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin will preside over the launch of the K6 flight.
He said there is growing interest in Siem Reap province as a destination following the recent launch of Emirates airlines from Dubai with a stop in Bangkok to SAI.
This expansion aligns with Cambodia’s strategic vision to boost its aviation sector and tourism industry.
Located in Tayek commune in Sotr Nikum district, about 50 kilometres from Siem Reap provincial city, 4E-level international airport is capable of accommodating long-haul flights from across the globe with a 3,600-metre runway and 38 berths. It can manage seven million passengers annually and is expected to increase its capacity to a staggering 12 million passengers by 2040.
The increase in operating airlines underscores its rapid development and the growing demand for direct access to Siem Reap and its iconic cultural heritage.
