Cambodia officially entered a new era of aviation on September 9 with the opening of Techo International Airport (KTI), the country’s largest and most advanced air hub.
The $1.5 billion project, located about 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, welcomed its first commercial service with a ceremonial water cannon salute. The inaugural flight, operated by national carrier Air Cambodia, arrived from China, marking the start of limited operations ahead of a grand inauguration on October 20, which will be presided over by Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Built to 4F international standards, KTI is designed to handle long-haul routes and accommodate the world’s largest passenger aircraft, including the Airbus A380-800 and Boeing 747-800.
Hun Manet, who described the airport as a “gateway connecting Cambodia more closely to the world,” emphasized in a Facebook post that the project highlights the role of aviation in boosting tourism, trade, diplomacy, and investment.
Capacity and Growth Plans
Phase one of the airport will support up to 13 million passengers annually. A second phase, which will add a parallel runway, is expected to expand capacity to 30 million passengers a year. Authorities and project partners will later review whether a third phase is needed by 2050, depending on traffic growth.
The Ministry of Tourism projects Cambodia could welcome up to 8 million international visitors per year by 2028, reinforcing the need for expanded infrastructure.
A Global Effort
Construction of the airport, which began in 2018, involved firms from six countries: China, Canada, the UK, France, Singapore, and South Korea. The development was led by the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC).
The launch of KTI also signals the end of an era, as Phnom Penh International Airport—operational since 1955—has now been permanently closed after 66 years of service.
Expanding Cambodia’s Air Network
Techo International Airport becomes Cambodia’s fourth international gateway, joining facilities in Siem Reap, Preah Sihanouk, and the former Phnom Penh airport. The first three are operated under concession by France’s VINCI Airports.
Officials see the new airport not only as vital infrastructure for future tourism and business growth, but also as a symbol of Cambodia’s ambition to integrate more deeply into the global economy.
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