When a nation decides to introduce itself to the world on a grander stage, it usually builds a stadium or hosts a summit. Cambodia, ever practical and proud of its heritage, has unveiled a brand-new airport—not just any airport, but a gleaming, modern, Angkor-inspired international gateway poised to rewire the nation’s aviation future.
On 9 September, Phnom Penh marked a moment that will sit comfortably in the history books: the inauguration of Techo International Airport (IATA: KTI; ICAO: VDTI). The event was capped with the spectacle only aviation can deliver, the first commercial flight, operated by Air Cambodia, gliding through a ceremonial water salute, engines humming against a backdrop of anticipation and national pride.
An Airport with Heritage in Its Bones
Designed by the eminent British firm Foster + Partners, the terminal is anything but another sterile transit hub. Instead, it pays homage to Cambodia’s Angkorian past, with sweeping canopies echoing temple roofs and structural “trees” inspired by the rumduol, the national flower. A nine-metre Buddha in the Abhayamudra pose presides over the terminal concourse, greeting travellers with serenity rather than the usual duty-free din.
This isn’t just steel and glass. Its heritage, rendered in aviation architecture, proves that modern infrastructure doesn’t have to erase identity; it can showcase it.
Built by Cambodians, for the World
The airport is the work of Cambodia Airport Investment Co., Ltd. (CAIC), a joint venture between the State Secretariat of Civil Aviation and the Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC). Cambodia has gone the other way in an era when developing nations often lean heavily on foreign financing. The project was Cambodian-funded, constructed in collaboration with local and global contractors, and powered by 200 engineers and 17,000 workers, most of whom were Cambodian.
The symbolism isn’t lost: the nation can now say it has built a world-class gateway with its own hands.
Numbers That Matter
The first phase alone gives Techo International Airport capacity for 15 million passengers annually, a figure set to grow as additional phases unfold. Already within its first month of operations, the airport has added two new routes and even lent a hand to Cathay Pacific, sheltering some of its fleet during Typhoon Ragasa.
Chairman of OCIC and CAIC, Pung Kheav Se, called the airport’s opening “a defining moment,” adding:
“It creates new opportunities for – Cambodia for visitors, businesses, and investors – and marks the beginning of a new chapter for our country.”
It is, by any measure, a statement of intent.
A Modern Travel Experience
Inside, travellers will find more than just check-in counters and boarding gates. Retail and dining play a starring role, with an eclectic mix of Cambodian favourites and international names: Malis, Paul, Starbucks, Brown Coffee, Bodia, and Artisans d’Angkor. It’s a carefully curated blend of global familiarity and local pride, crafted to ensure no traveller leaves without at least one authentic taste of Cambodia.
Operations are entrusted to some of the most respected names in the aviation services world: Vinci Airports for management, Lagardère Travel Retail for shopping, Newrest for catering, and Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) for maintenance. That roster alone signals seriousness.
Timing and Symbolism
The launch also coincided neatly with the 25th anniversary of OCIC, Cambodia’s mighty conglomerate with investments spanning real estate, infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Having already built 10,000 homes and major roads, bridges, and flyovers, OCIC can now add “national airport” to its résumé.
For Cambodia, the timing couldn’t be better. Tourism, battered but resilient post-pandemic, is rebounding across Southeast Asia. Techo International Airport positions Phnom Penh not as a stopover but as a destination in its own right, a capital city ready to be considered alongside Bangkok, Hanoi, and Singapore.
A Gateway and a Symbol
Airports are rarely just about flights. They’re about first impressions, investment confidence, and national pride. Techo International Airport is a gateway to the world, a badge of Cambodian craftsmanship, and an invitation to come and see the country anew.
The arrival hall isn’t just where baggage is claimed; it’s where Cambodia declares its readiness to stand taller in global aviation. Phnom Penh’s skyline may have temples, bridges, and modern towers. Still, from now on, its story begins on the tarmac of Techo International Airport, Cambodia’s proud new global gateway.
By Kanda Limw
BIO:
Kanda Limw is a self-motivated administrative professional with a strong track record of supporting business operations with efficiency and precision. Highly organised and adaptable, she brings a wealth of skills to the table, from multitasking and prioritising competing demands to managing complex filing systems and ensuring smooth office workflows.
Her background spans professional secretarial work, customer relations, and project planning, where her critical thinking and proactive approach have consistently delivered results. Kanda is experienced in managing directors’ schedules, coordinating meetings, and streamlining administrative processes while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
With progressive experience in office management, she has developed a reputation for reliability and attention to detail. Colleagues value her calm under pressure, her ability to anticipate needs, and her dedication to keeping operations on track. Kanda continues to build on her diverse skill set, driving efficiency and excellence in every task she undertakes.
