Techo International Airport officially inaugurated

On 20 October 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet officially inaugurated Techo International Airport (KTI), Cambodia’s new international gateway, in a landmark ceremony attended by ambassadors and executive leaders from France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Indonesia and Singapore, along with business chambers from Europe, North America and ASEAN countries. The opening marks a pivotal moment in Cambodia’s travel, tourism and economic development, highlighting the nation’s growing connectivity and its emergence as a dynamic Southeast Asian hub.

Operated by France’s VINCI Airports and supported by global partners including ATKINS, Heerim Architects, Singapore’s Changi Airport consultants, and construction firms from Cambodia, France and China, the airport enhances Cambodia’s accessibility for travellers and investors. Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of Cambodia Airport Investment Co. (CAIC) and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), said, “Techo International Airport is a symbol of Cambodia’s progress and its growing role as a hub for travel, trade, and tourism in Southeast Asia.”

Developed by CAIC, a subsidiary of OCIC in joint venture with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), the airport represents a major national achievement through international collaboration. “Techo International Airport will be the first warm welcome many visitors receive in Cambodia, reflecting our hospitality and culture,” said Minea Kim, Chief Executive Officer of the Cambodia Tourism Board. “Cambodia is committed to offering experiences that inspire and delight travellers.”

The airport currently operates 31 airlines with 44 direct routes, handling around 130 daily aircraft movements and approximately 13,500 passengers per day. SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC), a subsidiary of the Singapore Airlines Group, has partnered with CAIC to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Since its opening, KTI has expanded Cambodia’s global connectivity. Etihad Airways began direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh on 4 October 2025, linking the country with the Middle East and Europe. Turkish Airlines will launch its Istanbul service on 10 December 2025, while Air Cambodia, the national flag carrier, will introduce regular flights to Tokyo from 26 October 2025.

Designed by British architecture firm Foster + Partners, KTI blends world-class facilities with Khmer-inspired design. The terminal features traditional Cambodian elements such as a 9-metre Abhayamudra Buddha statue and over 200 hand-carved stone sculptures by local artisans. Built with modern sustainability practices, the airport demonstrates Cambodia’s commitment to responsible development.

The new facility is expected to create around 10,000 jobs, three times more than its predecessor, reinforcing Phnom Penh’s growth as a vibrant destination. The capital now offers world-class hotels, diverse dining, cultural landmarks including the Royal Palace and National Museum, and modern leisure areas. The airport also provides convenient access to sites such as Phnom Da and Angkor Borei, the country’s coastal regions, and luxury eco-tourism resorts including Rosewood Phnom Penh, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Raffles Hotel Le Royal and Shinta Mani Wild Bensley Collection.

Located south of Phnom Penh, Techo International Airport is designed to handle up to 13 million passengers annually. Developed by CAIC in partnership with the SSCA and operated by VINCI Airports, KTI combines international standards with authentic Cambodian cultural heritage. OCIC, founded by entrepreneur Pung Kheav Se, is Cambodia’s leading developer, having invested more than USD 15 billion in over 100 projects nationwide, including major residential, commercial and infrastructure developments that continue to drive the nation’s growth.