On 9 September 2025, Cambodia inaugurated its new $2 billion airport near Phnom Penh. Techo International Airport is meant to boost the country’s tourism industry and should eventually be able to welcome 50 million passengers per year.
Until now, Cambodia’s aviation industry in the area has relied on the 70-year-old Phnom Penh International Airport. The hub welcomed some 4.75 million passengers over the course of 2024 and was thereby Cambodia’s second-largest airport after the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, which opened in 2023. Even with the opening of the new Techo airport, the old Phnom Penh International Airport will, however, be maintained and kept available for military use or emergencies.
Bright future
The new Techo International Airport, a joint venture between the Cambodian government and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corp, should hugely increase the capacity of its predecessor. Boasting three runways, the airport should be able to handle 13 million annual passengers in the first phase. However, in the future, that capacity should be able to increase to 30 million after 2030 and up to 50 million by 2050.
“Aviation serves as one of the most important means of connecting tourists, businesses, political missions, and multifaceted cooperation, while also being a crucial driver of economic growth. It plays a central role in attracting investment, fostering diplomatic relations, and advancing Cambodia’s long-term development goals. With this vision, Cambodia has actively invested in and expanded the development of this international-standard airport to meet the growing demands of travel and connectivity, and to strengthen the country’s position as a gateway in the region”, Techo International Airport wrote in a statement.
The inauguration of the airport was marked by the arrival of its first two commercial flights. An Air Cambodia flight from China and a Singapore Airlines flight were the first to use the airport and were welcomed by a Water Salute, a Chhai Yam cultural performance, and the presentation of special souvenirs.
The new Tech International Airport has a price tag of $2 billion (instead of the $1.5 billion initially budgeted) and was designed by UK-based Foster+Partners, who were also in charge of London’s Millennium Bridge and the Apple Park in Cupertino. The buildings were inspired by Cambodia’s rich culture and nature, with the central hall being reminiscent of a tropical tree canopy.
Inside, the design studio opted for warm tones and a lot of greenery, resulting in a calming environment. The 181-metre Brown Coffee stand, designed by Phnom Penh-based HKA+Partners, is one of the highlights for travellers and centres around a sculptural art installation by Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich.
