Cambodia’s newly sworn in prime minister Hun Manet has officially opened the Chinese-funded Siem Reap international airport (SAI), which he described as one of the “fruits of peace” between the two countries.

The $1.1 billion airport was financed by Angkor International Airport (Cambodia) Co., Ltd., part of China’s Yunnan Investment Holdings and will operate under a 55-year, build-operate-transfer program.

With a single 3,600 m (11,800 ft.) runway, the airport will be able to handle 7 million passengers initially, before an expansion phase that will bring that number to 12 million by 2040.

“We hope that 2024 will mark the beginning of the revival of the tourist sector in Siem Reap province and will serve as the foundation for expanding tourism across the country,” Hun Manet told Phnom Penh Post.

The China-focused tourism and air transport sector is still crawling back from the effects of the pandemic. Mao Havanall, minister in charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation said Siem Reap in 2019 handled an average of 100 flights daily; currently it receives 34 flights.

CAPA/OAG data shows there are currently 10 international destinations connecting SAI, with the top cities being Hanoi, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok Don Mueang.

He added that over the first 10 months of 2023, Cambodia has received four million arrivals and 41,000 flights, improving 144% and 93% year-on-year, respectively.

China is also aiding Cambodia with the construction of the new $1.5 billion airport at the capital Phnom Penh. Known as Techo International Airport, it is slated for a 2024 opening.<\/p>