The much-anticipated opening of the $1.5 billion Techo International Airport today is expected to recast Cambodia’s global connectivity and future economic growth. The airport will begin flight operations today, with an official inauguration scheduled for October 20.
The Techo International Airport, a landmark aviation project, stands on 2,600 hectares of land spanning Prek Sleng commune, Kandal Stung district of Kandal province, and part of Bati district in Takeo province. Once operational, it will replace Phnom Penh International Airport, which has served as the capital’s main aviation hub since 1959.
Located about 20 kilometres south of Phnom Penh, Techo International Airport is invested by the Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC), a joint venture between the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation and Pung Kheav Se’s Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC). The modern airport is designed to international 4F standards, allowing it to accommodate the world’s largest passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, the airport ranks ninth globally among 4F-rated airports, while its distinctive architecture has placed it among the top 11 airports worldwide for design and scale.
The project is being implemented in three phases. The first phase, which will be ready this year, includes a 4-kilometre runway and facilities to handle more than 15 million passengers annually.
By 2030, the addition of a second runway will increase capacity to 30 million, while the third and final phase by 2050 will expand the airport further to accommodate 45 million passengers.
Sin Chansereyvutha, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Secretariat of Civil Aviation, confirmed to Khmer Times that the new airport will open on schedule.
“Techo International Airport will be a major achievement in the development of Cambodia’s aviation sector,” he said.
The airport is expected to play a critical role in boosting trade, investment and tourism.
Hong Vanak, an economic researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said that once it becomes operational, Techo International Airport will attract not only international tourists but also investors and business travellers.
“This is an airport on a large international scale. When flights increase, it will draw the attention of major airlines and strengthen Cambodia’s links with the world. At the same time, commercial activities along the road to the airport and surrounding areas will see rapid development,” he explained.
Signs of growth are already evident along Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard, also known as the 60-metre Road, which connects Phnom Penh to the airport. High-rise buildings, boreys, commercial flats, banks, showrooms and retail outlets have mushroomed since news of the airport was announced.
Vanak went on to add that the increase in passengers will encourage the growth of guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, business offices and product showrooms in the vicinity.
Lim Heng, Vice President of the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, noted that the Techo International Airport Development Company plans to establish a special economic zone near the airport, which could transform the area into a thriving commercial hub.
“However, in the first one or two years, development may not be very visible because airport zones usually develop slowly. In the longer term, this area has the potential to become a major investment corridor,” he said.
For the tourism sector, the new airport is regarded as a symbol of Cambodia’s modernisation. Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said the airport will raise the prestige of the country’s tourism industry and enhance its competitiveness on the international stage.
“Techo International Airport is a point of pride. It will help attract attention from global travellers, investors and airlines. I have already promoted it at international travel fairs, and it has generated strong interest,” she said.
The new facility will also address Cambodia’s limited capacity in air cargo services. At present, the country’s airports are unable to accommodate large freight aircraft, restricting trade potential.
Charles Vann, Director of CAIC, said the airport will serve as both a passenger hub and a cargo hub, allowing Cambodia to upgrade its logistics sector and better serve regional and international markets.
With Techo International Airport commencing operations, Phnom Penh International Airport will close permanently on the night of September 8, ending almost seven decades of service. Prime Minister Hun Manet has confirmed that the government has no plans to privatise the 400-hectare site.
The land will remain under the management of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, with the government ensuring the assets are preserved for national use. Lim Heng suggested that the old site could be transformed into state infrastructure to support long-term economic growth, noting that it has significant potential.
For local residents, the closure of the old airport may bring short-term relief from traffic congestion, which has long been a complaint of travellers. However, Heng observed that congestion could return within two to three years as population growth, housing developments and increased vehicle use put pressure on road networks.
Techo International Airport stands as one of Cambodia’s most significant infrastructure achievements. It is expected to strengthen international air connectivity, expand cargo capacity, attract new airlines, and boost tourism, trade and investment. Beyond its role as a transportation hub, the airport is set to act as a catalyst for wider economic growth, positioning Cambodia as a more competitive player on the global stage.
