Two news reports by the Associated Press on Bloomberg this week reported that a South Korean company had been awarded a contract to build and manage a new airport to service travelers to the Angkor Archaeological Park. The new airport will be located 40 kilometers east of the main temple complex, and will presumably replace the existing small Siem Reap Airport, which is just outside the park. The planned project will be able to accommodate large long haul airplanes, enabling direct flights from Europe and North America for the first time. Construction will start some time in 2011 with completion planned around 2015.
The original report appeared on Bloomberg on 15 December. In a follow-up on December 16, it was further disclosed that the contract includes construction of a new city and industrial park. Follow the links for more information.