KANDAL– The Cambodian government officially opened Techo International Airport (KTI) on September 9, 2025. The new airport replaces Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), marking a major upgrade for the country’s aviation infrastructure.
The facility, costing about US$2 billion, was built with Chinese state firms and designed by Foster & Partners. It sits approximately 20 kilometres south of Phnom Penh and features three runways.
Photo: Foster Partners – XCambodia’s Techo International Airport
Techo International Airport covers around 2,600 hectares in Kandal Stueng and Takeo provinces. Officials say the facility can handle up to 13 million passengers annually in its first phase.
Cambodian authorities intend the airport to support tourism revival after disruptions from global events. The old Phnom Penh airport managed nearly 5 million passengers in 2024.
The new facility dramatically increases capacity. Investment aims also include improving connectivity and boosting economic growth through better international access
The project involved joint financing by the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation and the Cambodian government. Chinese firms such as the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group built terminals and runways. British design firm Foster & Partners handled architectural planning.
Let’s look at the technical details:
| Location | Kandal Stueng and Takeo provinces |
| Developer/Operator | Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) |
| Construction Partners | China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group |
| Runways | 3 runways (Phase 1) |
| Initial Passenger Capacity | 13 million passengers annually |
| Planned Capacity after the completion of the second phase | 30 million passengers annually |
| Long-Term Capacity after the completion of the third phase | Up to 50 million passengers annually |
| Terminal Facilities | Modern passenger terminal, cargo facilities, parking, and commercial spaces |
| Replaces | Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) for commercial operations |
Photo: Foster Partners – XOperational Changes with Techo Opening
The inauguration featured an Air Cambodia flight from China, which was welcomed with a water cannon salute. The older Phnom Penh International Airport, with only one runway, will cease regular commercial operations but remain available for emergency and military use.
Construction required land clearance affecting around 2,000 households in Kandal province. NGOs reported evictions or threatened evictions during development. Officials said many of those issues are “almost resolved.”
With Techo Airport, Cambodia positions Phnom Penh as a stronger regional hub in Southeast Asia. Enhanced airport capacity should attract more international airlines, increase tourism revenues, and support trade growth.
However, external factors such as regional border tensions and global travel trends may influence the degree of success.
Photo: Foster Partners – XBottom Line
By significantly increasing passenger capacity and modernizing infrastructure, the country positions itself as a key regional hub in Southeast Asia.
While challenges remain regarding community resettlement and operational efficiency, the new airport underscores Cambodia’s commitment to boosting tourism, trade, and long-term economic growth.
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