Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS)

Sihanoukville International Airport (IATA: KOS, ICAO: VDSV) serves as the primary air gateway to Cambodia's southern coast, providing access to the city of Sihanoukville, the resort towns of Kampot and Kep, and popular islands like Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. As one of Cambodia's three international airports, it plays a crucial role in the region's tourism and economic development.

Originally constructed in the 1960s as Kang Keng Airport, the facility saw limited use for decades before being formally reopened for commercial operations in 2007 following significant renovations. To accommodate rising international demand, the airport has undergone further major upgrades, including a runway extension completed in 2020 to handle larger, long-haul aircraft and the expansion of its passenger terminal building.

The airport is located approximately 20 kilometers east of Sihanoukville's city center, adjacent to National Road 4. The journey to or from the downtown area typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Travelers can access the airport via official airport taxis, private car services, or ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp, which are widely used in the area.

Sihanoukville International Airport handles both domestic and international flights. Domestically, it connects the coast with Cambodia's other key cities, primarily Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, via carriers like Cambodia Angkor Air. Its international network focuses on destinations within Southeast Asia and, prior to global travel disruptions, had extensive connections to various cities in China. Passenger volume fluctuates with tourism seasons and international travel trends.

The facility consists of a single, modern passenger terminal designed for efficiency. Inside, travelers will find essential amenities including check-in counters, immigration and customs services, and a baggage claim area. The departures hall features a limited selection of duty-free shops, a few food and beverage outlets offering light meals and coffee, and currency exchange counters and ATMs. A business class lounge is also available for eligible passengers.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive two hours before domestic departures and three hours for international flights. It is recommended to pre-book airport transfers or to agree on a fare with a taxi driver before beginning the journey. Travelers heading to the islands should coordinate their flight arrival time with ferry departure schedules from Sihanoukville’s piers, as travel between the airport and the ferry terminals requires additional time.