AKP Phnom Penh, October 20, 2025 --

The Phnom Penh International Airport, Cambodia’s main air gateway since the 1950s, is not for sale but will instead be repurposed for public benefit, affirmed Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet during the official inauguration of Techo International Airport in Kandal province this morning.

“The old airport is not for sale. It is state property under state control and currently maintained by the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, with an annual maintenance cost of about US$3 million,” the Premier underlined.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet added that the Phnom Penh International Airport will be preserved as a reserve runway for emergency landings or transformed into a public park and aviation museum for the enjoyment and benefit of Phnom Penh residents.

Covering an area of approximately 200 hectares, the Phnom Penh International Airport had been in operation since 1959 before officially ceasing operations on Sept. 8, 2025.

By Heng Panha