๐ฐ๐ญ Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) began commercial operations in October 2023, replacing the older Siem Reap airport closer to the heritage zone. The new site is located about 40 km east of Angkor Wat, shifting air traffic away from the ancient temples.
The first-phase build includes a 3,605-meter runway, a modern passenger terminal with 15 jet bridges, a cargo terminal, and a new air traffic control tower. These features are designed to accommodate both regional narrow-body service and larger long-haul aircraft.
The terminal is planned for about 7 million passengers per year in its initial phase, with later expansion stages targeted to increase capacity. The airport occupies roughly 700 hectares, underscoring its role as a long-term tourism and regional aviation gateway.
Arrive early and verify check-in procedures, as Siem Reap-Angkor International opened in October 2023 as Cambodia's newest major gateway, featuring modern facilities designed to handle 7 million annual passengers accessing Angkor Wat. Seasonal patterns significantly impact operations and tourism demand, with dry season from November-April bringing ideal conditions and peak traffic, while monsoon season offers fewer crowds but potential delays. Local aviation services support massive international tourism with maintenance facilities for regional and long-haul aircraft, plus charter operations for VIP tourism and archaeological research. Baggage handling accommodates international tourists with specialized temple visit equipment and photography gear for extended stays in humid tropical climate.
The facility maintains flexible scheduling for weather delays common in tropical Cambodia, where monsoon rains from May-October bring heavy downpours and thunderstorms that may impact operations. The airport's location was chosen to reduce air traffic over Angkor Archaeological Park, moving operations away from ancient temples while providing modern tourism infrastructure. Weather monitoring tracks tropical patterns including monsoons and typhoons affecting Southeast Asian operations.
Ground transportation includes modern highway connections via the 40-kilometer route to Angkor Wat and Siem Reap center, with taxis, rental cars, and shuttles available, though advance booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Emergency services coordinate with regional medical facilities, though serious emergencies may require transport to Bangkok or other regional centers. The facility coordinates with Phnom Penh and regional air traffic control for optimal routing through busy tourism-related airspace.
โข Public transport may be limited; plan ground travel in advance.
โข Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
โข Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.
โข Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.
โข Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources