Cambodia Unveils Techo International Airport with Inaugural Flight

Kandal, Cambodia — On Tuesday, Cambodia celebrated the launch of Techo International Airport, the capital’s newly constructed aviation hub, with an inaugural flight greeted with much fanfare. This major development is expected to significantly boost tourism.

Adding to the occasion's excitement, fire trucks ceremoniously doused an Air Cambodia flight arriving from China with water as it taxied to its gate at the impressive new USD 2 billion airport, located 20 kilometers from Phnom Penh. The three-runway airport is set to replace the aging Phnom Penh International Airport, which has been in service for nearly 70 years with its single runway. Although the opening was planned for July, it faced delays due to technical issues.

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen emphasized the importance of this new airport in strengthening Cambodia's aviation and economic landscape in a social media post. Travelers also shared their excitement; David Weare, from Britain, arriving from Singapore, expressed his delight at using the new facility, remarking on its impressive appearance.

In 2024, Phnom Penh International Airport serviced 4.75 million passengers. The new facility is initially equipped to handle 13 million passengers, with plans to expand its capacity to 30 million by 2030 and up to 50 million by 2050.

This airport opening follows the inauguration of the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport in 2023, aiming to capitalize on the influx of tourists visiting the nearby Angkor Wat temple complex, a key attraction. Cambodia welcomed 6.7 million international visitors in 2024, a 23% increase from the previous year.

Nevertheless, rising tensions with Thailand could pose challenges for attracting visitors. Armed clashes on the border killed at least 41 soldiers and civilians before a fragile truce emerged on July 28.

While the Siem Reap airport was funded by China, the Techo International Airport is a collaboration between the Cambodian government and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corp. The name "Techo," meaning powerful, reflects an honorific often bestowed on top army commanders, such as Hun Sen.

The British firm Foster + Partners designed the airport, with construction by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co. Ltd., revealing costs that rose from an initial USD 1.5 billion to USD 2 billion, said Sinn Chanserey Vutha from Cambodia's civil aviation authority.

Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father Hun Sen in 2023 amid controversial elections, has stated that the old airport will remain in operational condition. It will continue to serve military purposes and be available for emergencies.

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