AKP Phnom Penh, August 13, 2026 --

Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Siem Reap province, invested by Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI), handled 714,133 passengers in the first half of 2026, with authorities and the airport operator pushing to restore passenger growth and expand international flight connectivity, according to a statement released on Thursday.

The figures were discussed on Aug. 12 during a courtesy meeting between H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), and Mr. Lu Wei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AIAI.

The meeting reviewed SAI’s operational progress, passenger recovery and plans to expand its flight network. It also covered AIAI’s proposal for the “Miracle Angkor” project at the site of the old Siem Reap Airport.

In 2025, SAI received 1.47 million passengers, up 5.3 percent from 2024 but equivalent to 37.6 percent of the passenger volume recorded in 2019.

Since opening in October 2023, SAI has strengthened air connectivity to Siem Reap and the Angkor region. However, passenger flows have yet to return to pre-COVID-19 levels, prompting efforts to develop new markets and increase flight connectivity.

The meeting discussed promoting direct flights from potential markets including China, India, South Korea, the Middle East and ASEAN, alongside possible airport service fee incentives to encourage new routes.

H.E. Mao Havannall congratulated AIAI on its 10th anniversary and the third anniversary of SAI’s official opening. He highlighted the airport’s role in connecting Cambodia with the world and supporting trade, investment and tourism.

AIAI and its partner Yuntou Group also presented the “Miracle Angkor” proposal, which involves studying the development of the 196.32-hectare former airport site into a cultural, commercial and tourism hub.

The proposal includes a 17,000-square-metre international exhibition centre, a digital museum and a zero-carbon green tourism performance, with the aim of encouraging visitors to extend their stays in Siem Reap by one to two nights.

The proposal will undergo further study and evaluation with relevant ministries and institutions, in line with legal, aviation safety, land management and heritage protection requirements.

By Sum Kosal