Cambodia Plans to Build One of the World's Largest Airports

The Cambodian government has approved a proposal to construct one of the world's largest airports in Kandal province, southeast of Phnom Penh. This ambitious project, reported by the Phnom Penh Post, is expected to cover approximately 2,600 hectares and comes with a price tag of around US$1.5 billion.

 

Key Details:

• Location: Kandal Steung district, about 30 km south of Phnom Penh.
• Investment: The project is spearheaded by Cambodia Airport Investment, a joint venture between the Overseas Cambodia Investment Corporation (OCIC) and the Cambodian government's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA).
• Funding: The OCIC will invest US$280 million, with foreign banks providing an additional US$1.1 billion.

Once completed, the airport will rank as the ninth largest in the world, slightly smaller than Chicago O'Hare and larger than Beijing Capital International. For context, the current Phnom Penh International Airport spans only about 400 hectares.

 

Current Status:

While the government has approved the investment proposal, specific details and agreements are still being discussed. Officials have yet to meet with OCIC to iron out project specifics, and it’s clear that negotiations will be extensive.

 

Challenges Ahead:

• Existing Agreements: The new airport project must navigate existing agreements with Cambodia Airports, which operates Phnom Penh International Airport under a concession that lasts until 2040. The company had previously submitted plans for expansions at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports to accommodate rising traffic but faced governmental preference for new constructions instead.
• Long-Term Process: Spokesman Sin Chansereyvutha indicated that bringing this project to fruition will take considerable time, as many criteria and frameworks need to be negotiated.

In summary, while the groundwork for one of the largest airports in the world is being laid in Cambodia, numerous logistical, financial, and regulatory hurdles remain before the project can take flight.