A twin engine aircraft participates in flight testing at Koh Kong province’s Dara Sakor International Airport. Domestic flights will begin operations by the end of November. - SSCA
PHNOM PENH: Dara Sakor International Airport in Koh Kong province is set to begin operations for domestic small aircraft by the end of November, following the completion of construction and the conclusion of successful test flights on Sept 29 and 30.
The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) reported that the test flights were conducted with the participation of Mao Havannall, minister in charge of the SSCA, as well as representatives of the airport’s parent investment company, Union Development Group (Coastal Airport Investment Co Ltd).
The test flights provided a thorough assessment of air navigation, radio communication with air traffic control, and other technical instruments, while also allowing the testing team to address any deficiencies that may need further resolution.
“If there are no changes, the airport will begin operations for light aircraft and training flights by the end of November,” Sinn Chanserey Vutha, SSCA secretary of state and spokesperson, told The Post today.
The international airport is located Koh Kong’s Botum Sakor district. Chinese company Union Development Group provided the initial phase one investment of US$200 million, and the facility will be operated by Coastal Airport Investment.
Officials and groundcrew pose with a banner celebrating successful flight testing at Dara Sakor International Airport. SSCA
This investment supports the multi-purpose tourism sector, according to the SSCA.
The airport is built on 218 hectares of land, with an additional 1,000 hectares reserved for future development projects.
It was initially scheduled to open in 2022, but the plan was delayed due to various crises, including Covid-19, which led to a decline in demand. As a result, operations will now start for small domestic aircraft, with international flights to be launched when demand increases.
“There will be no obstacles moving forward to international flights,” added the SSCA. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
