Phnom penh: Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) in Siem Reap province, funded by Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co., Ltd. (AIAI), managed 714,133 passengers in the first half of 2026. Authorities and the airport operator are working to restore passenger growth and enhance international flight connectivity, according to a statement released on Thursday.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, discussions took place on August 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 focused on SAI's operational progress, passenger recovery, and future plans to expand its flight network. Additionally, they discussed AIAI's proposal for the 'Miracle Angkor' project at the previous site of the Siem Reap Airport.
In 2025, SAI welcomed 1.47 million passengers, marking a 5.3 percent increase from 2024, but this was only 37.6 percent of the passenger volume recorded in 2019. Since its opening in October 2023, SAI has worked to enhance air connectivity to Siem Reap and the Angkor region. Despite these efforts, passenger numbers have not yet returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. As a result, there is a push to develop new markets and improve flight connectivity.
The meeting also explored promoting direct flights from potential markets such as China, India, South Korea, the Middle East, and ASEAN countries. There was also consideration of airport service fee incentives to encourage the establishment of new routes.
H.E. Mao Havannall congratulated AIAI on its 10th anniversary and the third anniversary of SAI's official opening. He emphasized the airport's role in connecting Cambodia to the global community and supporting trade, investment, and tourism.
AIAI, along with its partner Yuntou Group, presented the 'Miracle Angkor' proposal. This project involves converting the 196.32-hectare former airport site into a cultural, commercial, and tourism hub. The proposal includes plans for a 17,000-square-metre international exhibition center, a digital museum, and a zero-carbon green tourism performance to encourage visitors to extend their stays in Siem Reap.
The proposal will undergo further study and evaluation with relevant ministries and institutions, ensuring compliance with legal, aviation safety, land management, and heritage protection requirements.