Passengers queue to check in at the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Oct. 16, 2025. The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) on Thursday marked the second anniversary of its operations. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)

The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) on Thursday marked the second anniversary of its operations, with the inauguration of two larger-than-life statues.

Speaking at the event, Mao Havannall, minister in charge of Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, congratulated the SAI on its second year of operations, saying that the airport is a bridge connecting Cambodia to the wider world.

"It has become a strong foundation for supporting tourism and investment, and boosting Cambodia's economic growth across the country," he said.

The SAI had handled a total of 29,154 flights with 2.73 million passengers as of Sept. 30, 2025, according to the airport operator.

The celebration was attended by the representatives of the SAI, the Siem Reap Provincial Administration, airline companies and tour agents.

At the event, the statues of ancient Cambodian scholar Divakarapandita and Chinese ancient diplomat Zhou Daguan were inaugurated at the airport's departure terminal.

Havannall said Divakarapandita was an important scholar and religious figure during the Angkor Dynasty, and he served five Cambodian kings.

He added that during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Divakarapandita initiated the construction of Angkor Wat, which is a unique and famous architectural monument in the world.

For Zhou Daguan, the minister said the Chinese envoy visited Cambodia in the late Angkor period (1296-1297) and documented his observations, including the Angkor Wat temple complex.

He added that Zhou made an important contribution to China-Cambodia cultural relations as his observations served as an important document in the study of Cambodia's customs and history.

Invested by the Angkor International Airport Investment (Cambodia) Co Ltd, the SAI has served as a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. 

Passengers queue to check in at the Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Oct. 16, 2025. The Chinese-invested Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI) on Thursday marked the second anniversary of its operations. (Photo by Van Pov/Xinhua)