Siem Reap International Airport

The airport was closed to all scheduled commercial traffic and its role was superseded by the opening of the new, larger Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (IATA: SAI, ICAO: VDSA). The primary reasons for building a replacement airport were: 1) Heritage Preservation: The old airport was located only 5 km from the Angkor Wat temple complex, and there were long-standing concerns that vibrations from frequent takeoffs and landings were causing structural damage to the ancient temples. 2) Capacity and Modernization: The old airport had reached its maximum capacity. The new airport was built to handle larger, long-haul aircraft and significantly more passenger traffic, supporting Cambodia's long-term tourism growth strategy.

The airport is not completely decommissioned. Following the transfer of all scheduled flights to the new airport, the site has been repurposed. It now operates as a domestic airport, handling private jets, charter flights, government and VIP aircraft, and serving as a base for local helicopter tours. The Cambodian government has announced long-term plans to redevelop the large area into a special economic zone, potentially including urban infrastructure, commercial areas, and green spaces, while retaining some limited aviation functions.

Formerly operating under the codes IATA: REP and ICAO: VDSR, this airport was the main international gateway to the Angkor Wat UNESCO World Heritage site for decades. It was instrumental in rebuilding Cambodia's tourism industry following the Khmer Rouge period. As Cambodia's second-busiest airport, it handled millions of international and domestic passengers annually. It served as a vital hub for major regional carriers such as Cambodia Angkor Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, AirAsia, and Vietnam Airlines, connecting Siem Reap to cities across Asia. Its single runway and terminal, though expanded over the years, were a symbol of Cambodia's growing connection to the world.

There are no plans or prospects for this airport to reopen as Siem Reap's primary international airport. Its role has been permanently and officially transferred to the new Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI). The future of the site is focused on redevelopment and serving a niche role for domestic, private, and specialized aviation, not a return to its former status as a major commercial hub.