Techo Takhmao - Cambodia's New Aviation Hub Opens September 9

Over two years ago, I published a video on the Flights in Asia YouTube channel about an airport project that will be the future air hub of Cambodia – the Techo Takhmao International Airport. Set to replace the existing Phnom Penh International Airport as the main gateway to the Southeast Asian nation, Cambodia is getting ready to open up the new airport next month (September 2025). 

Techo Takhmao Airport Opening on September 9

Image: View of passenger terminal at Techo Takhmao International Airport (Image Credit: Wikimedia) 

After the originally planned opening in July was pushed back to September 9, we now have more details about the upcoming opening of the Techo Takhmao International Airport based on reports from outlets such as the Khmer Times.

According to Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. Managing Director Oknha Charles Vann, the construction of the airport has been completed and the Civil Aviation Authority of Cambodia has recognized and issued the license for the facility following two technical tests. 

The new airport will operate with the IATA/ICAO designators (IATA: KTI/ICAO: VDTI) as it becomes  operational on September 9. The official inauguration of the airport will be held on October 20 which will be attended by officials including the Prime Minister of Cambodia – His Excellency Hun Manet.  

As commercial airlines operating at Phnom Penh International Airport are preparing to shift their operations at the current air hub of Phnom Penh to Techo Takhmao, a series of test flights using both narrowbody and widebody jets took place in mid-August. 

Background of Techo Takhmao Airport Project 

Located around 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh in the nearby province of Kandal, the development and construction of the Techo Takhmo International Airport has been led by the Cambodia Airport Investment Company (CAIC) – a joint venture between the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia via the State Secretariat of Aviation and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation. 

The main airport facilities of the Techo Takhmao International Airport will cover an area of around 700 hectares. With up to three runways, the centerpiece will be a 240,000sqm H-shaped passenger terminal designed to handle 40 mid-sized aircraft at a time with 22 boarding gates.  

The 240,000sqm passenger terminal was designed by Foster + Partners, who have stated their design for the terminal building draws inspiration from Cambodia's history. With a roof supported by structural trees 36 meters tall, the terminal will use natural lighting. It will also be powered by an onsite photovoltaic farm. 

Upon its opening, the Techo Takhmao Airport – with a Type 4F classification -  will be capable of accommodating the largest passenger aircraft in the world such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747-8s. It will initially be able to accommodate 13 million passengers. By the year 2050, the airport will be able to accommodate around 30 million passengers after further development. 

Immediate Future of Air Travel to/from Phnom Penh and Cambodia

In 2024, Phnom Penh International Airport served nearly 5 million passengers (4.75 million). The new Techo Takhmao International Airport is expected to provide a capacity boost with its initial capacity of 13 million – more than twice the current passenger traffic numbers at the soon-to-be former air hub of Cambodia.  

At present, airlines that will operate at the new Techo Takhmao International Airport include local carriers such as Air Cambodia, Cambodia Airways, and AirAsia's local subsidiary – AirAsia Cambodia. Foreign carriers operating at Phnom Penn include Asiana, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, and AirAsia subsidiaries from Indonesia and Thailand. More airlines and routes are expected to help grow the network to/from Phnom Penh. Abu Dhabi, UAE-based Etihad will launch its new service to the city on October 4. Etihad will be followed by Turkish Airlines with a new route to Istanbul (via Bangkok) starting December 10. 

Following the opening of the Techno Takhmao International Airport, Cambodia has planned for the land where the Phnom Penh International Airport is at to remain under government ownership. Cambodia's Prime Minister Manet has stated that the government has no intention to sell the property to a private owner. 

Since the ground was broken for the Techno Takhmao Airport in 2019, for years work has been ongoing to build the new airport. With its opening now approaching, Cambodia now will have a new, modern air hub that is expected to help shape the future of aviation in the country. 

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