Cambodia to double international terminal capacity at two main airports

By Gavin Lipsith

CAMBODIA. Cambodia Airports has announced a plan to double passenger capacity at its biggest international gateways, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

The authority has appointed a consortium led by Vinci Construction to develop the two airports' international terminals, with total capacity at each airport to reach 5 million passengers a year by 2015 and 2016 respectively. Construction on both projects has already begun.

In 2013, Phnom Penh International Airport welcomed 2.39 million passengers while Siem Reap International received 2.66 million passengers, up by 15% and 20% respectively. The country welcomed 4.2 million tourists last year, a second consecutive annual increase of +18%, according to the Cambodia Tourism Ministry.

A rapidly expanding route network drove growth in 2013. Cambodian Angkor Air launched routes between Siem Reap-Hanoi (twice weekly), Phnom Penh-Bangkok (daily), Siem Reap-Guangzhou (daily) and from both airports to Shanghai (three times weekly).

Other services introduced last year include: Shanghai-based low-cost carrier Spring Airlines, Siem Reap-Shanghai Pudong; Qatar Airways, Phnom Penh-Doha (daily via Ho Chi Minh City); Thai AirAsia, Siem Reap-Bangkok Don Mueang (daily); Dragonair, Siem Reap-Hong Kong (thrice weekly); Tianjin Airlines, Phnom Penh-Tianjin (four a week); Air Busan, Siem Reap-Busan (four a week); Air China, Siem Reap-Beijing (twice weekly); and Seoul-based low-cost carrier Jin Air, Siem Reap-Incheon (four a week).

Dufry operates duty free and speciality retail outlets at both airports, alongside Attwood Duty Free at Phnom Penh.

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