Synopsis: Once operational, the airport is projected to handle six times the passenger capacity of the current Phnom Penh International Airport.
The State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) yesterday officially announced that the Royal Government of Cambodia has agreed in principle to designate September 9, as the opening date of the Techo International Airport, a world-class Class 4F facility located in Kandal province.
In a statement, the SSCA also confirmed that the official inauguration ceremony is scheduled for October 20, and will be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
The Techo International Airport, part of the government’s long-term strategy to strengthen Cambodia’s aviation sector and position the Kingdom as a regional transport hub, is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and economic development.
Sinn Chanserey Vutha, Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the SSCA, stated that the current Phnom Penh International Airport will cease operations on the night of September 8, and all flights will be transferred to the new Techo International Airport starting the next day.
“The Techo International Airport will officially begin operations on September 9, 2025,” he said.
The airport, which sits on a 2,600-hectare site, is capable of handling the world’s largest aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800. Developed in three phases, the first phase involves an investment of $1.5 billion, excluding land costs.
Mao Havannal, Minister in charge of the SSCA, led a technical inspection team on July 7 to assess the construction progress and operational readiness of the new facility.
Vutha confirmed that construction has been completed, with final preparations including cleaning, staff training, and documentation underway.
Techo International Airport has already gained international recognition, being named one of the 11 greatest architectural structures in the world for its innovative design and sustainability.
Once operational, the airport is projected to handle six times the passenger capacity of the current Phnom Penh International Airport, which has served the Kingdom for more than six decades.
The Cambodian government retains a 10 percent ownership stake in the airport project through the SSCA, while the remaining 90 percent is held by the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC).
Addressing speculation over the future of the existing Phnom Penh International Airport, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed recently that the historic facility “will not be sold”.
“The Phnom Penh International Airport holds great historical significance, having been established under the leadership of former King Norodom Sihanouk,” the Prime Minister said, adding, “The site must be preserved for public benefit, particularly for the people of Phnom Penh.”
He added that while future development options for the site may be explored, the land and infrastructure will remain state property. He warned that despite speculative valuations estimating the land’s worth at more than $3 billion, the government has no intention to sell or exchange it for any development project.
Investors were advised to look elsewhere for opportunities, as the government remains firm on preserving the historical airport site for future generations.
The opening of Techo International Airport is expected to mark a new chapter in Cambodia’s aviation history and play a vital role in connecting the Kingdom to the rest of the world.
