Phnom Penh recently celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of Techo International Airport (KTI), the nation’s largest aviation infrastructure project to date.
Cambodian funded and built, with a design inspired by the nation’s cultural and Angkorian heritage, the airport began operations as a modern hub for business and tourism.
The launch was marked by the arrival of the first commercial flight operated by Air Cambodia, welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute.
Within its first month of operations, the airport has opened two new routes and supported Cathay Pacific by temporarily hosting some of its fleet during Typhoon Ragasa.
Developed by Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC) — a joint venture between the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC) — Techo International Airport underscores the country’s growing role in regional connectivity.
With capacity for 15 million passengers annually in its first phase, the airport aims to strengthen tourism and expand the flow of international trade.
The project was Cambodian built in collaboration with a consortium of local and international contractors and engaged more than 200 Cambodian engineers and 17,000 workers.
The terminal, designed by British firm Foster + Partners, reflects Angkorian traditions through sweeping roof canopies supported by structural “trees” inspired by the rumduol — Cambodia’s national flower.
“Welcoming the first passengers at Techo International Airport is a defining moment,” said Pung Kheav Se, Chairman of OCIC and CAIC.
“It creates new opportunities for Cambodia — for visitors, businesses, and investors — and marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country.”
CAIC has appointed partners including Vinci Airports, Lagardère Travel Retail, Newrest, and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) to oversee airport management, retail, catering, and aircraft maintenance.
Techo International Airport retail and dining tenants include Malis, Paul, Starbucks, Brown Coffee, Bodia, and Artisans d’Angkor.
