September 11, 2025 — Cambodia has officially inaugurated the Techo International Airport, a major new gateway located about 20 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. Built with the aim of accommodating rapidly increasing passenger traffic, the $1.5 billion project is expected to transform Cambodia’s tourism and business travel landscape.
The airport, designed to handle up to 50 million passengers annually in the long term, replaces the aging Phnom Penh International Airport and positions Cambodia to better compete with regional hubs such as Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. The facility features state-of-the-art terminals, advanced security systems, and expanded runways capable of receiving long-haul aircraft, which could help attract more direct intercontinental flights.
Officials say the new airport is a cornerstone of Cambodia’s strategy to recover its tourism sector, which was severely hit by the pandemic. Before 2020, the country had welcomed nearly seven million international visitors annually, largely drawn to iconic sites such as Angkor Wat and Sihanoukville’s beaches. Authorities now hope the new infrastructure will bring arrivals back to — and beyond — pre-pandemic levels.
Prime Minister Hun Manet called the opening “a symbol of Cambodia’s resilience and ambition,” emphasizing that improved air connectivity is vital for economic growth, trade, and global visibility.
However, some analysts caution that success will also depend on improving surrounding infrastructure, managing environmental impact, and ensuring sustainable development in tourism hotspots.
With the new airport operational, Cambodia is betting on a new chapter for its travel industry — one that could solidify its place as a premier destination in Southeast Asia.