list of airports in Cambodia

by Posted on

:## Exploring Cambodia by Air: A Guide to Airports in the Kingdom of Wonder

Cambodia, a land steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers. While its temples and landscapes are the main draw, getting around this fascinating country is often made easier – and faster – by air. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Cambodia, helping you plan your journey with ease. Whether you’re arriving internationally or hopping between provinces, understanding your airport options is key to a smooth travel experience.

#ff6900 Cambodia’s Aviation Landscape: An Overview

Cambodia’s airport infrastructure has seen significant development in recent years, driven by the growth in tourism and business travel. While Phnom Penh and Siem Reap handle the vast majority of international flights, a network of smaller airports serves domestic routes, connecting travelers to the country’s diverse regions. The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) oversees all civil aviation activities in the country, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Most airports are undergoing or have recently undergone modernization projects to improve capacity and passenger experience.

#ff6900 Major International Airports

These airports serve as the primary gateways for international travelers entering Cambodia.

  • Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): Located in the capital city, Phnom Penh International Airport is the busiest airport in Cambodia. It handles a significant volume of both passenger and cargo traffic, connecting Cambodia to major cities across Asia, and increasingly, to other parts of the world. The airport offers a range of facilities including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and comfortable lounges.

  • Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (REP): Serving the popular tourist destination of Siem Reap and the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, this airport is the second busiest in Cambodia. It’s designed to cater to the large influx of visitors and provides convenient access to the ancient wonders of the region. A brand new, larger Siem Reap International Airport (SAI) opened in late 2023, gradually taking over operations from REP.

  • Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS): Situated in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, this airport is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing popularity of the Cambodian coastline. It primarily serves charter flights and a growing number of scheduled services, particularly from China.

#ff6900 Domestic Airports in Cambodia

Beyond the major international hubs, Cambodia boasts a network of domestic airports that facilitate travel to its more remote provinces. These airports are generally smaller and offer fewer amenities, but they significantly reduce travel time compared to road transport.

  • Battambang International Airport (BBM): Serving the agricultural heartland of Cambodia, Battambang Airport connects the province to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

  • Kampot International Airport (KZT): A relatively new airport, Kampot serves the pepper-growing region and provides access to Bokor National Park.

  • Kep Airport (KEP): A smaller airport primarily used for charter and private flights, serving the coastal town of Kep.

  • Koh Rong Airport (KOS): Located on Koh Rong island, this airport caters to tourists visiting the island’s beaches and resorts. (Note: This airport is sometimes referred to as Sihanoukville Airport due to its proximity and shared IATA code).

  • Mondulkiri Airport (MVV): Serving the mountainous province of Mondulkiri, known for its natural beauty and elephant sanctuaries.

  • Ratanakiri Airport (RBE): Located in the remote province of Ratanakiri, this airport provides access to the region’s ethnic minority villages and stunning landscapes.

  • Preah Vihear Airport (PVH): Serving the area near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Stung Treng Airport (STV): A newer airport aiming to boost tourism in the Stung Treng province, known for its Irrawaddy dolphins.

  • Treng Khpos Airport (TXK): Located in Kampot province, this airport is still under development.

#ff6900 A Comprehensive List of Cambodian Airports

Airport Name IATA Code City Served Airport Type
Phnom Penh International Airport PNH Phnom Penh International
Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport REP Siem Reap International
Siem Reap International Airport SAI Siem Reap International
Sihanoukville International Airport KOS Sihanoukville International
Battambang International Airport BBM Battambang Domestic
Kampot International Airport KZT Kampot Domestic
Kep Airport KEP Kep Domestic
Koh Rong Airport KOS Koh Rong Domestic
Mondulkiri Airport MVV Sen Monorom Domestic
Ratanakiri Airport RBE Ratanakiri Domestic
Preah Vihear Airport PVH Preah Vihear Domestic
Stung Treng Airport STV Stung Treng Domestic
Treng Khpos Airport TXK Kampot Under Development

#ff6900 Getting Around: Choosing the Right Airport

When planning your trip, consider the following:

  • Destination: The most obvious factor. Choose the airport closest to your final destination.

  • Flight Availability: International flights are primarily concentrated in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Domestic routes may have limited schedules.

  • Transportation: Assess the availability of transportation from the airport to your hotel or other points of interest. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and pre-booked airport transfers are common options.

  • Budget: Flights to smaller domestic airports may be more expensive than flying into a major hub and then taking ground transportation.

#ff6900 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Which is the main international airport in Cambodia?
Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is currently the busiest and main international airport. However, Siem Reap International Airport (SAI) is rapidly growing in importance.

2. Is it easy to get a visa on arrival at Cambodian airports?
Yes, a visa on arrival is available at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville International Airports. Ensure you have the required documents (passport, photo, fee).

3. What airlines fly to Cambodia?
Numerous airlines serve Cambodia, including Cambodia Airways, Lanmei Airlines, Bassak Air, and international carriers like Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Korean Air.

4. How reliable are domestic flights in Cambodia?
Domestic flights can sometimes be subject to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions or operational issues. It’s advisable to factor in some buffer time when connecting to onward travel.

5. Is the new Siem Reap International Airport fully operational?
The new Siem Reap International Airport (SAI) opened in late 2023 and is gradually taking over operations from the older REP airport. Check with your airline for the specific airport your flight is scheduled to depart from or arrive at.

Resources:

Rate this post

Published by admin