Busy start for Cambodia's new airport

Cambodia's new international airport had a much livelier start than had been expected.

Techo International Airport, the Asian nation's largest aviation infrastructure project, opened last month.

With a design inspired by the nation's cultural and Angkorian heritage, the airport began operations as a modern hub for business and tourism and the first flight, operated by Air Cambodia, was welcomed with a traditional water salute.

Within its first month of operations, the airport has seen the opening of two new routes and, unexpectedly, also supported Cathay Pacific by temporarily hosting some of its fleet during Typhoon Ragasa, which ravaged Hong Kong and other regional cities.

Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), the Techo International Airport has capacity for 15 million passengers annually in its first phase and will strengthen tourism, expand trade flows, and enhance Cambodia's international connectivity.

The project was Cambodian built in collaboration with a consortium of local and international contractors and is located 35 kilometres south of the capital Phnom Penh..

The terminal, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, reflects Angkorian traditions through sweeping roof canopies supported by structural "trees" inspired by the rumduol - Cambodia's national flower.

It served by almost 30 airlines including Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.

"Welcoming the first passengers at Techo International Airport is a defining moment," said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of infrastructure partner OCIC and CAIC.

"It creates new opportunities for Cambodia - for visitors, businesses, and investors - and marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country."

Techo International Airport also features retail and dining offerings. Among the shops and restaurants are Malis, Paul, Starbucks, Brown Coffee, Bodia, and Artisans d'Angkor.

An official inauguration ceremony is set to be held on October 20. For those wondering, The name Techo is a title given to army commanders by the King of Cambodia.  

High-tech new airport the new gateway to Cambodia

Flyers arriving in Phnom Penh will be landing at a new airport from next month.

The Cambodian capital is bidding farewell to its international airport in Pochentong, which has operated for 65 years.

The new airport (above) is named Techo International Airport (IATA code KTI) and is located 28km south of Phnom Penh.

Compared to the current facility which is a mere 30 minutes by car to the capital, it will take over an hour to reach the city centre.

There are plans to construct a direct rail link to Phnom Penh, but work has not yet started.

Secretary of State and Spokesperson for Civil Aviation, Sin Chansereyvutha, confirmed that: “Techo International Airport will open for operations on September 9, 2025, and Phnom Penh International Airport will close on the night of September 8, 2025.”

From September 9, Pochentong will only be used by military aircraft and private jets.

The new airport will be one of the largest in south-east Asia. Designed by Sir Norman Foster and his team at Foster and Partners, the concept is of a green facility, using natural light, integrating greenery and powered by a solar farm.

It is capable of handling up to 13 million passengers a year, which is 2.5 times more than the current airport’s capacity.

The airport’s management will be transferred to Cambodia Airports, a subsidiary of French VINCI Airports.

VINCI Airports is the world's leading private airport operator with more than 70 airports operating in 14 countries and eight capitals