Battambang Airport: The Park with a Runway

From Historic Airstrip to Community Hub... and Back Again?

If you tell someone you are going to the airport in Battambang, they won't ask "Where are you flying?" They will ask, "Are you going for a run?" For decades, this defunct airfield has served as the most unique public park in Cambodia.

A Journey Through Time

1968: Grand Opening

Opened during the "Golden Age" of Cambodia, it was a busy domestic hub connecting the rice-bowl of the west to Phnom Penh.

1975 - 1990s: Silence

Operations ceased during the war. The airfield saw sporadic military use but eventually fell silent, with the last commercial flight landing decades ago.

Present Day: The People's Park

With no planes to dodge, the 1,600-meter runway became a favorite spot for joggers, cyclists, and families enjoying the open space.

What Happens on the Runway?

Visit at 5:00 PM, and the tarmac is alive! It is a surreal experience to walk down the centerline of a runway while life happens around you.

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Sunset Jogging

The flat, wide surface is perfect for 5k and 10k runners.

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Kite Flying

With zero obstructions, the wind here is perfect for kites in the dry season.

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"Top Gun" Photos

A favorite spot for teenagers to take cool photos on the open tarmac.

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Snack Time

Vendors wait at the gates selling sugar cane juice and meatballs.

Cleared for Takeoff: The Future

📢 Project Approved: Class 4C Upgrade

The government has officially approved a plan to rehabilitate the airport. This isn't just a repair; it is a major upgrade.

• The Goal: Upgrade to "Class 4C" International Standard.
• The Planes: This allows jets like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 to land here.
• The Impact: This will reconnect Battambang to Phnom Penh and potentially regional hubs like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, boosting tourism massively.

Visit Before It Changes!

Located just 3km from the city center (past the Dragon Statue). Entry is usually a small 1,000 Riel parking fee for your motorbike.

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