Siem Reap airport–city road moves toward a possible 2027 construction start

The project has advanced since June, but construction has not started

In early June, Cambodia's Ministry of Public Works and Transport said the proposed road, which would run for more than 20 kilometres, remained at a preliminary study stage. Ministry spokesperson Phon Rim said further detailed studies were required before the project could move into construction. Officials were also organising the project management team, with financing planned through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

By September, the administrative status had moved forward. Deputy Governor Dy Rado said the project had been agreed in principle and that authorities expected construction to start in 2027. That target does not mean the road is already approved in every technical detail: the latest reporting still says preliminary studies and related procedures must be completed before work can formally begin.

The planned link would connect Siem Reap city with Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport in Sotr Nikum district. Its proposed length is more than 20 kilometres. Officials and tourism representatives say the project is intended to make airport access easier and reduce travel time and transport costs.

Those benefits are objectives rather than current conditions. The available reports do not provide a final alignment, project cost, completion date or confirmed opening date.

For practical context, see Cambodia market and country comparisons. This development also connects with Siem Reap airport traffic rises as old-airport plan emerges.

Travellers still need to plan around the existing road network

For residents and people who use the airport regularly, nothing changes immediately. The 2027 date is a target for starting construction, not for opening the road to traffic, so present-day journey planning still depends on the existing network.

The project will become more useful for location decisions once authorities publish a final route and a firmer delivery schedule. Until then, assumptions about which neighbourhoods will gain the most from the connection remain premature.