Long-term master plan for P Sihanouk int’l airport unveilved

CAMBODIA Airports, the longstanding owner and manager of Cambodia’s three international airports, presented a final long-term master plan on Tuesday for the development of Sihanouk International Airport to the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).

Cambodia Airports CEO Alain Brun presented the 20year development and investment plan to SSCA minister Mao Havannall at his office, according to a press statement from the company.

It said one of the key development projects scheduled to be completed in the second half of this year is the extension and renovation of the runway to handle wide-body and long-haul aircraft.

“The plan for the international airport in Preah Sihanouk province is testament to the continued commitment of Cambodia Airports and French parent company Vinci Airports to enhance air connectivity and contribute to unlocking business and tourism opportunities for the benefit of the people of Cambodia,” Brun said.

SSCA spokesman Sinn Chansereyvutha told The Post that the plan is the latest update to a longterm investment move by Cambodia Airports to expand airport infrastructure and accommodate passenger and cargo traffic growth in the coming decades.

He said that Phase 1 of the development plan will take place between now and 2030 and Cambodia Airports is planning major overhauls, including the runway extension to 3,300m from the current 2,500m, a new taxiway and aircraft stands and the construction of a new terminal that can handle three million passengers.

Phase 2, which will last until 2040, will expand the terminal and further enhance the runway. Apron capacity – the number of passengers served in one-hour at the terminal – is expected to grow to six million.

Last year, the number of passengers passing through Cambodia’s international airports totalled nearly 11.6 million – six million for Phnom Penh International Airport, 3.9 million for Siem Reap Airport and the rest for Sihanouk International Airport.

Starting from a low base but experiencing triple-digit growth, Sihanouk International Airport handled more than 1.6 million passengers.

The three airports combined serve 55-plus destinations and welcome 700 regular flights per week.