Cambodia Unveils $2 Billion Techo International Airport to Boost Tourism

A new chapter in Cambodia’s aviation history commenced on September 9, 2023, with the opening of the $2 billion Techo International Airport. This facility, constructed by a major state-owned Chinese firm, replaces the old Phnom Penh International Airport, which had served as the capital’s primary aviation hub since 1959. The inauguration of the new airport comes at a time when the country is looking to revive its struggling tourism sector, heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Located approximately 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh, the Techo International Airport spans 2,600 hectares and is designed to accommodate up to 13 million passengers annually, with plans to increase that capacity to 50 million by 2050. The first flight to land at the airport was an Air Cambodia jet arriving from China, greeted by a celebratory water cannon display. Traditional Khmer dancers welcomed the 160 passengers as they disembarked, marking a festive start to operations.

Passengers at the new airport will experience a modern facility featuring a striking steel grid-shell roof designed by the acclaimed British architectural firm, Foster and Partners. British traveler David Weare, who arrived on Singapore Airlines, expressed his excitement, stating, “It looks amazing, it’s fantastic … I can’t wait to see what the rest of it is like.”

Sinn Chanserey Vutha, a spokesman for Cambodia’s civil aviation regulator, noted that the first phase of the airport’s development cost approximately $2 billion. He explained that the previous airport was closed due to significant capacity issues, particularly its inability to handle larger aircraft effectively.

Techo International Airport is the second major airport to open in Cambodia within two years, following the launch of a $1.1 billion terminal near the Angkor Wat temple complex in November 2023. Despite the optimism surrounding the new facility, concerns have arisen regarding its impact on local communities. The NGO Sahmakum Teang Tnaut (STT) reported that around 2,000 households have faced eviction due to the airport’s construction. The organization characterized the airport’s opening as a “final devastating chapter” for many who have struggled with land and livelihood issues in the area.

While the civil aviation official could not confirm the specific number of residents affected, he indicated that most disputes related to land acquisition have been “almost resolved.” The reopening of this transportation hub is crucial for Cambodia, as the tourism sector is vital to the nation’s economy. Last year, the country welcomed 6.7 million international visitors, generating approximately $3.6 billion in revenue.

As Cambodia works to rebuild its tourism industry, stakeholders hope that the Techo International Airport will not only improve air travel but also provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.