Imagine a scenario where urgently needed medical supplies are stranded at a small airport in Cambodia simply because air cargo operators were unfamiliar with the facility's specific regulations. This situation is not hypothetical—in international air freight, even relatively small airports can cause significant delays due to information gaps. This article focuses on Cambodia's Kompong Thom Airport (KZK), providing a detailed air cargo guide covering airport codes, facility overview, customs clearance requirements, and operational considerations to help industry professionals mitigate risks and improve efficiency.
Kompong Thom Airport (KZK): Basic Information and Code Interpretation
Kompong Thom Airport, also known as KZK by its IATA code, is located in Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. While not a major international hub, this regional airport serves as an important transportation node in specific circumstances. The following table summarizes key information:
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | KZK |
| ICAO Code | (Not publicly available, typically requires paid database access) |
| Airport Name | Kompong Thom Airport |
| City | Kompong Thom |
| Region | Kampong Thom Province |
| Country | Cambodia (KH) |
| Time Zone | UTC+07:00 |
| Continent | Asia |
| Airport Type | Non-Customs Airport |
Of particular importance is KZK's designation as a "Non-Customs Airport," indicating it lacks full customs clearance facilities and authorization for international cargo processing. When considering this airport as a destination or transit point, operators must verify customs capabilities and coordinate with relevant authorities in advance to ensure smooth cargo clearance.
Air Cargo Operational Considerations at Kompong Thom Airport
While detailed facility information about Kompong Thom Airport remains limited in public sources, its non-customs status and Cambodia's general air freight environment suggest these operational guidelines:
- Customs Clearance Preparation: Verify whether KZK can process specific cargo types. For shipments requiring customs inspection or duty payments, consider routing through fully equipped international airports like Phnom Penh (PNH) or Siem Reap (REP) before ground transportation to Kompong Thom.
- Documentation Requirements: Prepare complete and accurate air waybills, commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Any documentation discrepancies may cause significant delays.
- Labeling Standards: Ensure all cargo packages display clear, standardized labels and marks compliant with IATA regulations, including complete information about contents, quantities, weights, and consignee details.
- Pre-Shipment Coordination: Establish communication channels with carriers, freight forwarders, and local airport personnel to understand specific handling procedures and requirements before cargo dispatch.
- Banking Hours: Note that most local banks in Kompong Thom close Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday, which may affect financial transactions requiring bank processing.
Cambodia's Air Cargo Environment Overview
Understanding Kompong Thom Airport's operational context requires awareness of Cambodia's broader air freight landscape, which features developing infrastructure and evolving procedures:
- Primary Airports: Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP) serve as Cambodia's main international gateways with comprehensive customs facilities. These may serve as alternative entry points when KZK cannot accommodate specific cargo requirements.
- Airline Options: Multiple Cambodian carriers operate domestic and international routes. Selection criteria should include network coverage, capacity, service quality, and pricing considerations.
- Freight Forwarders: Experienced forwarders prove invaluable for navigating clearance procedures, transportation logistics, and providing specialized advisory services within Cambodia's unique operational environment.
- Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about Cambodia's evolving air cargo regulations, particularly for specialized shipments like hazardous materials or perishables that may require additional permits.
Obtaining Detailed Airport Information
For parties requiring more comprehensive data about Kompong Thom Airport, consider these information-gathering approaches:
- Commercial Aviation Databases: Subscription services like IATA's airport codes database provide detailed technical specifications including ICAO codes, runway dimensions, and handling equipment availability.
- Direct Airport Communication: Contacting KZK's management office directly may yield current operational details and handling procedures.
- Industry Consultation: Established freight forwarders with Cambodian operations often maintain current, practical knowledge about regional airport capabilities.
In summary, Kompong Thom Airport's non-customs status requires careful evaluation when planning air cargo operations. Thorough preparation, including verification of customs capabilities and coordination with local partners, remains essential for successful shipments. Understanding Cambodia's broader air freight context further enhances operational reliability when utilizing this regional facility.