AKP Phnom Penh, October 20, 2025 --

The Techo International Airport (TIA) was officially inaugurated this morning under the presidency of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, and First Lady, Lok Chumteav Dr. Pich Chanmony Hun Manet.

“This is a new achievement reflecting Cambodia’s long-term development vision. TIA will serve as a driving force to attract more tourists and investors to Cambodia. We will open our horizons even wider,” Samdech Thipadei underlined.

H.E. Dr. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA), described the airport as an important bridge of solidarity and cooperation that connects Cambodia to the world, and a strong pillar supporting the country’s tourism industry and overall economic growth.

According to Lok Neak Oknha Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of the Cambodia Airport Investment Corporation (CAIC), a subsidiary of the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), the project cost a total of US$2.3 billion. It includes the construction of the main passenger terminal building (PTB), airfields, ancillary buildings, general aviation and permanent VVIP terminals, and other supporting infrastructure for airport operations.

Designed and built for the future, the airport will be developed in three phases, with passenger handling capacities of 13 million for Phase 1, 30 million for Phase 2, and 50 million for Phase 3, he said.

He also announced that a new airline, Etihad Airways, has started direct flights to TIA since Oct. 4, while Turkish Airlines will begin operations on Dec. 10, 2025.

He further noted that these new routes will enhance connectivity between Phnom Penh and major cities in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. He expressed delight that Cathay Pacific, a major international carrier from Hong Kong, has chosen TIA as an alternative airport to park 13 of its aircraft during Typhoon Ragasa, a testament to international airlines’ trust and confidence in TIA’s world-class facilities.

Situated on more than 2,600 hectares of land spanning Prek Sleng commune in Kandal Stung district, Kandal province, and part of Bati district, Takeo province, the new airport lies approximately 20 kilometres from Phnom Penh. It commenced operations on Sept. 9, 2025.

Classified as a 4F-level international airport, the highest category in global aviation standards, TIA is capable of accommodating all types of aircraft, including the world’s largest passenger planes such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747.

By Heng Panha