China got a big deal. Nepal got debt, a pricey airport

Cambodia Opens New , China-Funded Airport , to Boost Angkor Wat Tourism. On October 16, Cambodia launched commercial operations at the country's newest and largest airport. . 'The Independent' reports that the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport is meant to serve as a gateway to the centuries-old Angkor Wat temple complex. The first flight to land at the new airport was a Bangkok Airways flight inbound from Thailand. . 16 additional flights were scheduled for the airport's first official day in operation. . 'The Independent' reports that the new airport, which cost about $1.1 billion, is built on 700 hectares of land approximately 25 miles east of the Angkor Wat complex. 'The Independent' reports that the new airport, which cost about $1.1 billion, is built on 700 hectares of land approximately 25 miles east of the Angkor Wat complex. Construction on the airport started in 2020 to replace the old airport due to concerns that the vibrations were damaging Angkor Wat's foundations. The new airport is designed to handle an estimated 7 million passengers a year, with plans to boost that capacity up to 12 million passengers by 2040. The new airport is designed to handle an estimated 7 million passengers a year, with plans to boost that capacity up to 12 million passengers by 2040. The project was part of a 55-year-build-operate-transfer (BOT) program between China and Cambodia. 'The Independent' reports that another Chinese-funded airport is also being developed to serve the capital Phnom Penh at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Techo International Airport, which is being developed on 2,600 hectares (6,425 acres), is scheduled to be completed in 2024