Techo International Airport is scheduled to begin commercial operations on September 9, 2025, marking a critical advancement in Cambodia’s air transport infrastructure. The updated timeline, confirmed by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), allows additional time to complete final readiness checks. An official inauguration ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet, will follow on October 20, 2025.
Located 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, the 2,600-hectare facility is being constructed across Kandal and Takeo provinces. As a 4F-Class airport, Techo International Airport is designed to handle large long-haul aircraft and will accommodate over 15 million passengers annually in its first operational phase. With future expansions, capacity is expected to reach up to 50 million passengers.
National infrastructure milestone backed by public-private investment
The new airport is a joint investment between the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), which holds 90% of the project’s equity. The Cambodian government retains a 10% stake through the SSCA. Currently, construction is approximately 96% complete, with finishing work underway to ensure operational excellence across all service areas, including security, baggage handling, customs, and commercial zones.
Techo International Airport is more than a transportation hub—it is a symbol of Cambodia’s ambition to enhance its global competitiveness through advanced infrastructure, improved air connectivity, and sustainable development.
Architectural and environmental innovation
Designed by renowned British architectural firm Foster + Partners, the airport’s terminal blends modernist design principles with local vernacular elements. The layout includes airfoil-shaped piers converging into a central terminal core. A dramatic 36-meter-wide canopy supported by structural “trees” creates a striking visual identity while enhancing energy efficiency.
The terminal prioritizes passenger comfort with minimal level changes, natural lighting, and intuitive navigation. Emphasizing environmental responsibility, the project integrates renewable energy from an on-site solar farm, abundant indoor greenery, and low-operational-cost systems. According to Foster + Partners, the goal is to position Techo International Airport as one of the greenest airports in the world.
Clarification on Phnom Penh International Airport’s status
While the new airport is designed to eventually absorb most of the capital’s international traffic, Prime Minister Hun Manet has clarified that the 66-year-old Phnom Penh International Airport will not be sold or decommissioned. Instead, the airport—originally developed under King Norodom Sihanouk’s leadership—will remain in state ownership, with potential redevelopment plans centered on public benefit and historical preservation.
Authorities emphasized that, despite the estimated $3 billion real estate value of the current airport site, it is not available for commercial sale or private redevelopment.
Techo International Airport as a catalyst for tourism and investment
The strategic launch of Techo International Airport comes as Southeast Asia experiences renewed aviation growth. Cambodia’s upgraded gateway is expected to facilitate tourism recovery, expand trade corridors, and attract foreign direct investment. Enhanced access to Phnom Penh and surrounding regions will significantly benefit airlines, hotel operators, logistics providers, and real estate stakeholders.
As the gateway to Cambodia’s economic ambitions, Techo International Airport will serve not only as a transport hub but as a national symbol of resilience, modernization, and sustainable growth.
Source: traveldailynews
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