Cambodia has officially opened its brand-new Techo International Airport, a $2-billion project set to reshape the nation’s aviation and tourism industries. Located about 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, the airport was inaugurated on 9 September 2025 with a ceremony that included traditional performances, a symbolic water salute, and flights operated by Singapore Airlines and Air Cambodia to mark the first departures.
The opening of Techo Airport represents a major leap forward for the country. The facility is designed to handle 13 million passengers annually in its first phase, more than double the capacity of the old Phnom Penh International Airport, which welcomed 4.75 million travelers in 2024. Over the coming decades, the goal is to scale up capacity to 30 million passengers after 2030 and eventually reach 50 million passengers by 2050, positioning Cambodia as a serious contender within the ASEAN aviation network.
The architectural design, led by Foster+Partners, draws on Cambodia’s cultural heritage and natural environment. The terminal’s sweeping structures resemble a tropical forest canopy, creating a sense of openness and shade. Interiors feature earthy tones, lush indoor greenery, and water features that evoke the country’s rivers and rice fields. The airport also houses the world’s largest Brown Coffee outlet, a 181-metre-long café designed by HKA+Partners, and showcases contemporary Cambodian art, including works by Sopheap Pich.
While Techo becomes Cambodia’s new civilian hub, the existing Phnom Penh International Airport will be decommissioned for commercial flights and placed on reserve for emergencies or military use. Officials emphasize that the new airport is not only about infrastructure and convenience but also about economic transformation. By boosting connectivity, it is expected to support tourism growth, attract investment, and enhance diplomatic ties.
At the launch, Cambodian leaders hailed the project as a milestone that will “Open the skies wider for Cambodia” and help the nation compete with other regional hubs. With three runways, scalable passenger capacity, and a design rooted in sustainability and culture, Techo International Airport is more than just a transportation facility—it is a statement of Cambodia’s ambitions for the future.
Cambodia Introduces $2B Techo International Airport to Skyrocket Passenger Capacity
