Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia's gateway to the past and home to the magnificent Angkor Wat. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Siem Reap is a city steeped in history and culture. And now, with the grand opening of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, it has never been easier to embark on a journey to this enchanting destination. This state-of-the-art airport, boasting modern facilities and convenient accessibility, is set to revolutionize travel to Siem Reap and boost Cambodia's tourism industry. In this blog, we will explore the development and features of this impressive airport, its economic impact on the region, and the role of China in its financing and construction as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Whether you are a traveler seeking adventure, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about infrastructure development, join us as we delve into the world of Siem Reap's new international airport.
The Grand Opening of the New Airport around Siem Reap City
The new Airport (SAI) in Cambodia officially opened on October 16, 2023, and is now the main gateway to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Complex. The airport is located about 40 kilometers (24.85 miles) away from the protected area and replaces the old Siem Reap International Airport (REP), which first opened in 1932.
SAI is a significant upgrade from its predecessor and was funded by China as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, at a cost of about $1.1 billion. It was designed to handle 7 million passengers per year, which is 2 million more than the old airport. The runway at SAI is 3,600 meters long, and it is designated as a “4E airport,” meaning it can accommodate larger commercial planes used on global long-haul routes.
The construction of SAI began in 2020 and was reportedly inspired by traditional Cambodian architecture style. The airport is operated and managed by the Yunnan Aviation Industry Investment Group. It is the first overseas international airport to be constructed under a “Build-Operate-Transfer” model by Chinese enterprises.
The grand opening of SAI was a major event attended by officials from Cambodia and China. Prime Minister Hun Sen highlighted in his speech that the new airport is a symbol of Cambodia's development and its commitment to tourism. The prime minister also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its support and funding.
Despite the new airport being operational, there is limited information available about the services, shops, and restaurants at the facility. The official airport website provides minimal details, and more information may become available as the airport continues its operations.
Overall, the opening of the Airport is expected to boost tourism in Cambodia by making it easier and more convenient for visitors from around the world to travel to Siem Reap and explore the famous Angkor Wat temple complex. The upgraded infrastructure and increased capacity of the new airport will help accommodate the growing tourist traffic and support the country's tourism industry.
Location and Accessibility: The Gateway to Angkor Wat
The new Airport is a major upgrade for visitors to the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia. Funded by China at a cost of $1.1 billion, this airport is the country's newest and largest. Its 3,600-meter-long runway allows for larger commercial planes to be accommodated, and it has the capacity to handle up to 7 million passengers a year. This increased capacity is expected to boost Cambodia's tourism industry, which has been recovering since the country reopened its borders in March 2022.
Recent data released by Cambodia's Ministry of Tourism reveals that the country received 3.5 million international tourists in the first eight months of 2023, marking a significant increase of 250.8% compared to the same period last year. However, this number is still a decrease of 19.7% compared to 2019, before the pandemic. Many of these visitors head to Siem Reap to experience the Angkor complex, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, according to the UNESCO inscription.
Stretching over 400 square kilometers, the Angkor Archaeological Park contains the remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century. However, only a handful of its sites, namely Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the Bayon, receive the bulk of tourist traffic. The new Airport will provide easier access for visitors to explore the rest of the park and its lesser-known sites.
Located just 40 kilometers east of Angkor Wat, the airport's convenient location makes it a gateway for travelers seeking to experience the wonders of the Angkor complex. With improved accessibility provided by the new airport, it is expected to further boost tourism to Angkor Wat and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Development and Features: Cambodia's Biggest and Most Modern Airport
Following the recent opening of the new Airport (SAI), Cambodia now boasts its largest and most modern airport to cater to the influx of travelers visiting the iconic Angkor Wat. Situated approximately 25 miles (ca. 40,234 m) east of Angkor Wat, the new airport offers an upgraded experience and aims to boost tourism in the region. On its inaugural day, the airport welcomed its first flights, including a Bangkok Airways flight from Thailand, marking a significant milestone in Cambodia's tourism development.
Concerns about vibrations damaging the temples' foundations
One of the primary reasons for the relocation of the airport was the concern that the vibrations caused by frequent flights were damaging the foundations of the ancient temples. The previous airport was located just over 3 miles (ca. 4,828 m) away from the temples, while the new Airport sits further away, mitigating the potential risks to the historic structures. This move demonstrates Cambodia's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while simultaneously promoting tourism.
Importance of tourism to Cambodia's economy
Tourism plays a pivotal role in Cambodia's economy, serving as one of its main pillars of growth. In the first eight months of 2023, Cambodia received approximately 3.5 million international tourists, emphasizing the country's appeal as a travel destination. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia welcomed around 6.6 million foreign visitors in 2019. The opening of the new airport is expected to further enhance the tourism sector, attracting more visitors to the Siem Reap province and contributing to its economic revival.
China's influence in Cambodia's economy and funding of infrastructure projects
China, as Cambodia's most important ally and benefactor, holds significant influence in the country's economy. This influence is evident through the numerous Chinese-funded projects, hotels, and casinos in cities like Phnom Penh and other regions across Cambodia. Chinese state banks have played a pivotal role in financing infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, and other key developments. In fact, more than 40% of Cambodia's $10 billion in foreign debt is owed to China.
Financing and development of the new airport
The construction of the Airport was financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., an affiliate of China's Yunnan Investment Holdings Ltd. The project, which cost approximately $1.1 billion, was developed under a 55-year build-operate-transfer deal. The airport's grand opening took place on October 16, 2023, and was presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, the governor of China's Yunnan province, Wang Yubo, and other officials. This collaboration between Cambodia and China highlights the deep friendship between the two nations and the promotion of bilateral economic ties.
Connection to the Belt and Road Initiative and bilateral economic ties between China and Cambodia
The development of the new airport is part of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to enhance connectivity and foster economic cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road routes. The Airport serves as a vital transportation hub, facilitating travel and trade between China and Cambodia. This project not only showcases the strong economic partnership between the two nations but also signifies their shared commitment to promoting tourism and driving sustainable development.
Economic Impact: Boosting Cambodia's Tourism Industry
Cambodia's economy in 2022 will heavily rely on the tourism industry. Experts believe that tourism will be the most important factor in achieving economic growth and recovery in line with the country's recovery plan. The government's policy of creating tourism zones for fully vaccinated tourists is already showing positive effects on the hotel and construction sectors in those areas.
Furthermore, Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, such as airports, are contributing to Cambodia's tourism growth. The newly inaugurated Airport is a prime example of the evolving nature of China's Belt and Road Initiative and its impact on developing countries. This upgraded gateway, located 45 km east of Siem Reap town and 40 km from the iconic Angkor Wat temple, is set to become the biggest airport in Cambodia. Its grand opening is scheduled for October 16, 2023, and it has been assigned the IATA code 'SAI'. As a result, the old Siem Reap International Airport will be closed in 2023, and all commercial passenger and cargo flights will be operated at the new airport.
The new Airport will have increased capacity to accommodate large passenger planes, including the Airbus A-340-300, A350-900, Boeing B777-200/300ER, and B747-300/400. This enhanced capacity allows Siem Reap to operate direct flights from various destinations, attracting more tourists to the region.
To improve connectivity between the new airport and Siem Reap town, an airport highway has been constructed. Although the journey is still expected to take about an hour by taxi, the airport highway is expected to reduce travel time significantly. Additionally, there have been discussions about offering a public service shuttle for this route, which would provide a more convenient transportation option for travelers. However, no official plans have been finalized yet.
Overall, the development of Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the Airport, is expected to have a significant economic impact on Cambodia's tourism industry. These projects enhance the country's transportation capabilities and contribute to its recovery and growth plans. With improved connectivity and increased capacity, Cambodia is well-positioned to attract more tourists and boost its economy in the coming years.
The Role of China: Chinese Financing and the Belt and Road Initiative
The opening of Cambodia's new Siem Reap international airport, funded by China, highlights the role of Chinese financing in infrastructure projects. The airport, financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., which is part of China's Yunnan Investment Holdings, will operate under a 55-year build-operate-transfer program. This showcases China's long-term investment approach and its commitment to supporting the development of transportation infrastructure in the region.
With a single runway, the Siem Reap airport has the capacity to handle 7 million passengers initially, with plans for expansion to accommodate 12 million passengers by 2040. This investment in airport infrastructure demonstrates China's goal of gaining acceptance of Chinese standards and technologies. By financing and promoting the development of airports across the region, China aims to establish its standards as the de facto standard for aviation in Southeast Asia and beyond. This would give Chinese manufacturers and suppliers a strong, first-mover advantage over their competitors, particularly Japanese producers of high-speed rail.
The opening of the Siem Reap airport is considered a symbol of the strong relationship between China and Cambodia. Prime Minister Hun Manet described it as one of the “fruits of peace” between the two countries. China's involvement in infrastructure projects like this not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also supports economic growth and development in the host country.
Furthermore, the construction of new airports in Cambodia, including the upcoming Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, further highlights China's investment in the country's air transport sector. These infrastructure projects are part of China's broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance connectivity and promote economic cooperation between China and countries along the ancient Silk Road trade routes. Chinese planners believe that significant demand for transport equipment will come from regions covered by the BRI, such as Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on tourism and air travel. However, Cambodia is hopeful that the opening of the Siem Reap airport will contribute to the revival of the tourist sector in the province and support the expansion of tourism across the country. As travel restrictions ease and international tourism gradually recovers, the new airport will serve as a gateway for tourists visiting the famous Angkor Wat temple and exploring the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia.
Siem Reap's a New International Airport In Short
As we conclude our exploration of Siem Reap's a new international airport, it is clear that this modern marvel is set to become a game-changer for Cambodia's tourism industry. With its convenient location and accessibility, travelers from around the world will now have an easier time embarking on their journey to the historic Angkor Wat and experiencing the rich culture and heritage of Siem Reap. The economic impact of this airport cannot be understated, as it will undoubtedly attract more visitors, create job opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the local economy. Additionally, the involvement of China in financing and constructing this airport as part of the Belt and Road Initiative highlights the global significance of this project and the potential for further collaboration between nations. The airport is not just a gateway to the past, but also a symbol of progress and development for Cambodia. So, whether you are an avid traveler, an aviation enthusiast, or simply interested in the world of infrastructure, make sure to add Siem Reap and its new airport to your bucket list.
Comments
Post a Comment