SIEM REAP: The new Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport opened last week to much fanfare with hundreds of locals touring the new facilities.

Siem Reap Governor Prak Sophoan posted a message with a picture on his social media on October 22, saying, "This is [Hun Sen’s] legacy. Why can people visit such a historical airport? They did not go to cause trouble or riots. The pride that was once a mine-rich forest has become such a development."

He said that the airport management and the district administration have organized a clean, hygienic space for vendors and airport guests, while also facilitating safe travel.

The new airport is a Class 4E airport with a runway of about 3,600 meters that can receive Type E aircraft to operate. It spans an area of 200 hectares, 40 km from Angkor and 50 km from Siem Reap.

The airport was built and operated with a $1 billion loan from China as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. It was built within three years and will be operated by Chinese businesses for 55 years before being turned over to the Cambodian government. A $95 million loan was also needed for the five kilometer expressway connecting the airport to National Road 6.