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5d ago

Cambodia Opens $2 Billion Techo International Airport, Replacing Phnom Penh Hub

Officials cast the Chinese-built, three-runway facility as a tourism catalyst despite unresolved disputes over reported evictions.

Passengers line up to check-in for their flights at the Techo International Airport on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Sept. 9,2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Tourists arrive to check in for their flights at the Techo International Airport on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Sept. 9,2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
Cabin crew of the first commercial flight that landed receive flowers from government officials at the Techo International Airport during its official opening on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Sept. 9,2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)
A passenger, right, attends to her belongings during a security check at the Techo International Airport on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tuesday, Sept. 9,2025. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

Overview

  • The new airport received its first commercial flights on September 9, including an Air Cambodia service from China welcomed with a water salute.
  • Initial capacity is about 13 million passengers per year, with targets of 30 million after 2030 and up to 50 million by 2050.
  • Phnom Penh’s old airport has closed to commercial traffic, with the site to be maintained for military use and emergency operations.
  • The project was developed by CAIC, a subsidiary of OCIC, in joint venture with the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, built by a major Chinese construction firm, and designed by Foster + Partners.
  • Civil aviation officials put the first-phase cost at $2 billion after earlier estimates of $1.5 billion, while NGO STT reports roughly 2,000 households were affected by evictions that authorities say are almost resolved.