Cambodia Travel News

SIEM REAP AIRPORT PLANS    

The National Tourism Authority (NTA) of Cambodia, a newly-created government wing in charge of developing a tourism policy has recommended the construction of a new international airport in Siem Reap within the next 8 years in order to be able to handle the growing flow of tourists. So far the first quarter of 2000 has seen an increase of 50% compared to last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism. This is mainly due to the introduction of international flights into Siem Reap following the government's open-skies policy.

But, the idea is facing criticism and claims of money wasting, as the current airport is just undergoing a major upgrade helped by a U$ 15 million loan from the Asian Development Bank. The first phase has been completed and the passenger terminal renovation is to start very soon. The NTA is proposing to build a temporary waiting room, while revising and expanding the existing plans for the terminal renovation to accommodate more tourist arrivals. The NTA defends the idea of upgrading the actual facilities and at the same time planning a completely new airport. Next to the expected dramatic increase of arrivals, one of the arguments is that the new airport could be built farther away from the temple area (30-40km) in order to protect them.

The management and operations of the existing airport have just been taken over by the French-led Societe Concessionnaire l'Aeroport, with the task to strengthen and develop it. The prospect of 2 airports in Siem Reap, one for domestic and one for international flights is possible, but might not be very convenient and feasible.