KANDAL, Cambodia — Cambodia is eagerly anticipating the opening of its new airport serving the capital come July, marking a significant advance for its flourishing tourism sector, which faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The development of Phnom Penh’s new airport, known as the Techo International Airport, commenced in 2019 over a vast expanse of 2,600 hectares (6,425 acres) straddling the provinces of Kandal and Takeo, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Phnom Penh.
Charles Vann, the director of the airport’s project steering committee, revealed during a media visit, “We anticipate the TIA airport here will have a soft opening in July 2025, and we know many passengers eagerly await the opportunity to experience this new facility.”
This ambitious project, valued at $1.5 billion, is a collaborative venture between the Cambodian government and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corp. The airport is being constructed by China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd.
The architectural design, crafted by the British firm Foster + Partners, is said to capture a unique sense of locality, responding adeptly to the tropical climate. The terminal structure rests beneath what is described as a single overarching roof canopy made of a lightweight steel grid shell, featuring an innovative screen that filters daylight, thus illuminating the expansive terminal area.
The construction of the airport is proceeding in three phases. Initially, the facility is projected to accommodate up to 13 million passengers annually, with plans to expand to a capacity of 30 million travelers by 2030, and eventually 50 million by 2050.
This will be Cambodia’s second major airport debuting in two years. Previously, the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport, funded by Chinese investments, commenced operations in 2023 in northwestern Cambodia. Situated roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the historic Angkor Wat temple complex, a prominent tourist destination.
Tourism serves as a cornerstone of Cambodia’s economy. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the nation welcomed about 6.7 million international tourists in 2024, reflecting a 23% increase compared to the previous year.
