The new airport in Siem Reap - called Siem Reap Angkor International: What you need to know
- Caroline Richer
- Nov 1, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 2, 2023
Quick presentation of the new Siem Reap airport
State-of-the-art facilities and equipment to enhance the passenger experience.
With a runway measuring 3,600 meters in length and 45 meters in width, the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport has been classified in category 4E. This means that it can accommodate aircraft whose "reference field length" is greater than or equal to 1800 meters and whose wingspan can reach 65 meters.
Thanks to this classification, the airport will be able to accommodate larger aircraft models such as the A340-300, the A350-900, the B777-200, the B777-300ER, the B747-300 and the B747-400. These aircraft are known for their long-haul capabilities and spacious interiors.
In addition to its ability to accommodate larger aircraft, the new Siem Reap Airport also offers state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. These include modern check-in counters, comfortable waiting areas, duty-free shops, restaurants and lounges. Passengers can expect a smooth and pleasant travel experience from the moment they arrive at the airport.
Overall, the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport's 4E category and the impressive size of its airstrip enable it to accommodate larger aircraft and offer passengers top-notch facilities.
How to get to Siem Reap airport?
The newly constructed 24.5 km long Airport Highway, which begins at kilometer 294 of National Road 6, is the second stage of the journey to the airport. However, as the first part of the journey takes the often congested national road 6, the total journey time by taxi or van between the city and the airport is estimated at at least one hour.
An airport shuttle service with buses and vans now operates between the city and the airport. Taxi and bus and mini bus services are also available through the Tourist Transport Association (TTA). Additionally, other private companies are expected to offer airport van or taxi transfer services in the coming weeks
Although discussions took place in July 2023 about the possibility of a light railway, the project will not be implemented for several years. Given the distance, it remains to be seen whether tuk-tuks will offer rides to the new airport.
Airport shuttle timetables
A fleet of buses and mini vans provide an airport shuttle service that transports passengers to and from the airport 4 times a day.
Please note that buses and mini vans do not operate frequently, with the first departure from Siem Reap at 8am and the airport departure at 9:30am.
If you have to catch an early flight, taking a taxi will be the only option.
Please note that the 2 stops in Siem Reap are not in the city center! You will need to take a tuk tuk to get to your hotel.
Shuttle stops in Siem Reap 🚌
Angkor Supermarket: 2.2 km from Pub Street
CDF Angkor Duty Free: 1.4 km from the rue des pubs
DESTINATION | FIRST DEPARTURE | NEXT DEPARTURE | LAST DEPARTURE |
From Siem Reap (boarding point at CDF Angkor Duty Free) to Angkor International Airport | 8:00 | 11:00 1 3:30 | 16:30 |
| | | |
From Angkor International Airport to Siem Reap (embarkation point at CDF Angkor Duty Free) | 09:30 | 12:303:00 p.m. | 20:00 |
Discover affordable and convenient transport options between the new Siem Reap airport and the regions of Cambodia. Our reliable services ensure a smooth journey and allow you to explore the wonders of Angkor at your leisure with a private driver for a day or longer stay. Book your transport now and enjoy a stress-free travel experience.
How much does a taxi cost from Siem Reap airport to the city?
A taxi from Siem Reap to the new SAI Airport usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and costs between $25 and $35. If you're paying $45 or more, you're already paying too much!
For seamless airport transfers in Siem Reap, look no further. Contact us for all your transportation needs. We provide reliable and efficient services to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Book with us today!
Most hotels in Siem Reap do not offer free shuttle service to the new airport.
Airlines serving Siem Reap International Airport (SAI)
The airlines currently serving Siem Reap International Airport (REP) and which will transfer their operations to the new Siem Reap Airport (SAI), as well as the new airlines, are as follows:
Arrivals at Siem Reap Airport
The new Siem Reap Airport is located 50 km east of Siem Reap city and approximately 40 km from Angkor Wat temple. It covers an area of 700 hectares in the commune of Ta Yek in the district of Sotr Nikum.
Siem Reap Airport Road Map
The new Siem Reap Airport will be the largest airport in Cambodia, with an initial capacity of 7 million passengers per year. By 2030, handling capacity is expected to increase to 10 million passengers, then to 20 million by 2050. The airport's cargo handling capacities are also expected to increase sixfold over the next 30 years, going from an initial capacity of 10,000 tonnes to 60,000 tonnes.
The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is being developed by Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co Ltd (AIAI) with a total investment of $1.1 billion. Part of AIAI is owned by YACA (Yunnan Air Investment Cambodia Airport Management). Yunnan Provincial Overseas Investment Co. (YOCI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co. YOIC is actively working on the "Belt and Road" and has several other projects underway in Laos and Myanmar.
Siem Reap Airport Photo Video Gallery
New Siem Reap Airport FAQ's
Siem Reap Angkor International Airport opened its doors on October 16, 2023. On its opening day, Siem Reap Angkor International Airport welcomed 17 flights on its runway. The first plane to land was a Bangkok Airways flight from Bangkok.
Can I get to Siem Reap airport by tuk-tuk?
If you like the charm of the tuk tuk to get to the new airport in Siem Reap, you may be disappointed by the journey. The tuk tuk can take up to two hours to cover the distance, and vehicles can overheat in the last few kilometers. In addition, driving on the two-lane road is not at all recommended and dangerous for a tuk tuk transfer.
What is the name of the new airport in Siem Reap?
The new Siem Reap airport is called Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport.
What will be the main traffic at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport?
The new Siem Reap airport will focus on Chinese tourists when it opens. It is expected to accommodate at least 300 flights per week between Siem Reap and destinations in China.Siem Reap's new airport will focus on Chinese tourists when it opens. It is expected to accommodate at least 300 flights per week between Siem Reap and destinations in China.
Who built the new Siem Reap airport?
The airport is being built by Angkor International Airport Investment (AIAI) under a 55-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract. This type of contract is often used for large infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, airports and power plants.
How big is Siem Reap Angkor Airport?
The airport covers 700 hectares, more than four times the size of the Angkor Wat temple complex
Is Siem Reap Airport closing (REP)?
In accordance with the existing contract, it has been determined that the current REP airport will not operate as a travel hub from October 15, 2023.
How far from Angkor Wat is Siem Reap airport?
The new Angkor Airport is located approximately 50 km from Siem Reap city center and 40 km from Angkor Wat temple.
What is the new airport code?
Siem Reap airport will be identified by its IATA code SAI and its ICAO code VDSA.
Could Siem Reap's new airport lead to the development of new cities?
The construction of a new airport in Siem Reap could have positive effects on the development of new towns around the main city. Indeed, the new airport, which should open its doors in 2023, will have a greater capacity than the old one, and will be able to accommodate larger planes and more passengers. This is expected to boost tourism in the region, which is famous for its UNESCO-listed Angkor temples. Tourism is a key sector of the Cambodian economy, and it generates income and employment for the local population.
To facilitate access to the new airport, which is located approximately 55 km east of Siem Reap, a new 24.5 km highway has been built. This infrastructure could promote urbanization and industrialization along its route, and attract national and foreign investment. For example, the Cambodian government announced in 2020 the creation of a new city called Angkor New City, which will be located near the new airport. This city should include residential, commercial, industrial and tourist areas, as well as facilities such as hospitals, schools and parks1.
The development of new towns around Siem Reap could also have social and environmental impacts. On the one hand, it could improve the quality of life and the level of education of residents, by offering them more opportunities and services. On the other hand, it could lead to challenges such as waste management, air and water pollution, traffic congestion, loss of agricultural land and preservation of cultural and natural heritage. It will therefore be necessary to ensure that development is sustainable and respectful of the environment and local communities.
What are the projects to modernize the Cambodian railway network?
Speaking with Chairman of China Railway Construction, Wang Jianping, Hun Manet l' Current Prime Minister discussed the modernization of Cambodia's existing railway network and its connection with the town of Bavet, on the eastern border with Vietnam, and with the tourist hub of Siem Reap.
Hun Manet also met with Li Kuo, chairman of China Metro Group, who is interested in building light rail connections with Siem Reap airport and another airport under construction in Phnom Penh.
What are the benefits of Chinese investments in Cambodia?
Chinese investments under the Belt and Road Initiative have played a decisive role for Cambodia by also providing many developing countries with numerous benefits such as the development of physical infrastructure, the increase in foreign direct investments, economic growth, regional and global integrations and exchanges between people.
Why did the Cambodian government have to end the operation of Vinci Airport?
The airport was located only 5 km from the World Heritage site, a proximity which posed problems for the Civil Aviation Authority of Cambodia.
It was also too close to the residences to be expanded, which required its transfer to another site, located at a distance from Siem Reap that complies with international standards.
Will Phnom Penh airport also be closed?
Vinci had operated all of Cambodia's international airports - in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville - under concessions granted in the 1990s and which were to last until 2040.
The Phnom Penh concession is also expected to be cut short, with a new $1.5 billion airport overseen by local conglomerate Overseas Cambodia Investment due to open in 2025.
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