๐ข Terminal Information
Sihanouk International Airport (KOS), designated VDSV and formerly known as Sihanoukville International Airport, operates as Cambodia's third-largest international airport serving the coastal province of Preah Sihanouk, positioned at coordinates 10.569ยฐN, 103.631ยฐE approximately 20 kilometers east of Sihanoukville City in the heart of Cambodia's premier coastal tourism region where this strategically important aviation gateway provides essential connectivity for the country's most significant beach destination and rapidly developing Special Economic Zone. This vital airport serves as the primary aviation hub for Cambodia's southwestern coastal region under a comprehensive public-private partnership managed by Cambodia Airports, a joint venture between France's VINCI Airports (70%) and Malaysian-Cambodian Muhibbah Masteron Cambodia Co Ltd (30%), reflecting the international investment and expertise driving Cambodia's aviation infrastructure development throughout this economically dynamic and tourism-focused province.
The airport underwent transformative infrastructure development through a $58 million investment program initiated in 2018 by a consortium including VINCI Construction Terrassement and Soletanche Freyssinet, enabling operations for wide-body and ultra-long-haul aircraft including Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-1000, substantially expanding the facility's capacity to accommodate growing international tourism and business travel throughout the region. Terminal facilities reflect ongoing modernization through VINCI Airports' comprehensive enhancement program launched in December 2016, featuring complete renovation of existing buildings and 80% expansion of terminal space from 2,700 to 4,800 square meters, while a new terminal scheduled for completion by 2026 will further increase capacity to accommodate projected tourism growth. The upgraded infrastructure incorporates modern passenger processing systems, enhanced security screening, improved baggage handling, and comprehensive amenities designed to serve the increasing international traffic connecting Cambodia's coastal attractions to major regional markets throughout Southeast Asia.
Current operations emphasize international connectivity through popular routes to China, Malaysia, and Vietnam operated by airlines including AirAsia, Sichuan Airlines, and Lanmei Airlines, alongside charter services supporting tourism development throughout Preah Sihanouk province where pristine beaches, island resorts, and emerging casino complexes attract diverse international visitors. The airport's strategic importance extends beyond tourism to supporting Cambodia's ambitious Special Economic Zone development, facilitating business travel, cargo operations, and investment activities that drive economic growth throughout this rapidly transforming coastal region. Ground transportation provides seamless connections to Sihanoukville City, beach resorts, and industrial facilities, while the facility maintains environmental certifications reflecting commitment to sustainable tourism development throughout this culturally and ecologically significant region.
The airport represents a cornerstone of Cambodia's tourism infrastructure development strategy, supporting the country's goal of positioning itself as a premier Southeast Asian destination while serving approximately 10 million annual passengers across Cambodia's airport network through VINCI's professional management and continued infrastructure investment. Recent expansions and operational improvements enable the facility to accommodate growing demand for Cambodia's coastal tourism attractions, business travel to industrial developments, and regional connectivity supporting economic integration throughout the Greater Mekong Subregion where Sihanoukville's strategic location provides access to Vietnamese and Thai markets. Despite competitive pressure from newer facilities like the Chinese-operated Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, Sihanouk International Airport continues serving as an indispensable aviation asset supporting Cambodia's economic diversification, tourism development, cultural exchange, and regional connectivity goals throughout this historically significant and economically promising region where French colonial heritage, Khmer culture, and modern development initiatives converge to create unique opportunities for sustainable growth and international cooperation.
๐ Connection Tips
Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS) is a premier aviation gateway serving Cambodiaโs southwestern coast and the country's primary beach destination. For travelers, a critical connection tip is understanding its strategic role; as a facility managed by VINCI Airports, it is currently undergoing a massive expansion project with a new terminal scheduled for 2026 to accommodate 5 million annual passengers. Commercial service is robust, with carriers like Cambodia Angkor Air providing essential domestic links to Siem Reap (SAI) and Phnom Penh (PNH), while international links connect the region to hubs like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
A major logistical tip for visitors is the 20-kilometer journey to the city center; authorized taxis are available outside the arrivals hall, and it is highly recommended to allow at least 45 minutes for the transit to the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port if you are catching a ferry to Koh Rong. Ground transportation is best pre-arranged through your hotel to ensure fixed pricing. Within the modern terminal, passengers have access to premium amenities including VIP lounges and a selection of duty-free boutiques.
Arriving at the airport at least 2.5 hours before international departures is essential to navigate security and immigration comfortably. Always confirm your flight status via the airlineโs app, as regional monsoon weather can occasionally impact schedules on the 2,500-meter runway. KOS remains a professional and highly efficient entry point for those exploring the islands and the rapidly developing Special Economic Zone.