Wednesday, 28 January 2009

Phnom Penh traffic strong, Siem Reap dips slightly

e-Travel Blackboard
Wednesday, 28 January 2009

Full year figures are in for Cambodia’s two airports and while the airport serving the capital Phnom Penh held its own, the more leisure hub of Siem Reap dipped slightly as leisure travellers opted to stay at home.

Following years of dramatic growth levels Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) lifted by 5.6% to 1.69 million visitors from the 2007 level of 1.6 million passengers, holding steady amidst global uncertainties.

Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SEP), which services the world heritage site of Angkor Wat saw a marked downturn of leisure traffic, dropping 11.6% down to 1.53 million passengers for the full year from 1.73 million achieved in 2007.

Despite the fact the Phnom Penh serviced the capital city, traffic at the more touristy SEP overtook PNH in 2006. This recent dip edges PNH back in front.

Forecasts for 2009 show that whilst the capital is expected to slightly grow its traffic numbers Siem Reap, on the other hand, is expected to continue its contraction.

Both PNH and SEP are managed by Cambodia Airports. The government run aviation body also runs Sihanoukville International Airport (KOS), the country’s third, and newest, international airport which does not yet offer scheduled services.

No comments: