The current flying base at the Angor Wat temple complex will close in October 2023 after a brand-new airport 50 km east of Siem Reap is almost finished. The former airport will no longer be utilized for commercial flights, according to the civil aviation authority of Cambodia. Even though it is significantly farther away, according to government spokesman Chanserey Vutha, the new airport is required to increase the frequency of foreign flights and to prevent environmental harm to the ancient ruins of Siem Reap brought on by aircraft vibrations and pollutants.
The official noted that the amount of tourists visiting the country at the moment is just about 40% of the record-breaking year of 2019, when more than 6 million foreigners visited the country. He anticipated at least 300 weekly flights to and from a number of Chinese locations once the new airport became operational in October. The Yunnan Investment Group served as a conduit for the majority of the Chinese loans and grants used to construct the $1 billion project.
Additionally, Phnom Penh will get a brand-new airport called Techo Takhmao International, which is expected to open in 2024. It will be the ninth largest in the world, located in Kandal Province, about 35 km from the city, and equipped with the newest hi-tech safety and communication features. The absence of direct flights from the United States, Europe, Russia, and India is now the greatest barrier to international travel to Cambodia, with the majority of travelers transiting through Bangkok. That brake will be released soon.
